French Patinated Copper Sculpture of Seated Cherub after Charles Lemire

A COPPER ELECTROTYPE OF SEATED CUPID AFTER CHARLES GABRIEL LEMIRE

Probably France, late 19th century

21" H x 10 1/2" D x 12 1/2" W (including marble base)
20" H (sculpture only)

A hollow copper electrotype sculpture of a seated Cupid after Charles Gabriel Sauvage, known as Lemire (1741–1827). The figure is modeled seated upon a rocky outcrop draped in fabric, with one hand resting against his chest. Originally accompanied by a bow and quiver of arrows, now absent. The sculpture retains an extensively weathered verdigris patina, is stamped "# 198" and rests on a later rectangular verde marble base.

Charles Gabriel Sauvage, known as Lemire, was a French sculptor born in Lunéville in 1741. He worked extensively with the porcelain and faience manufactories of Lorraine, becoming head of the modeling workshop at Niderviller in 1781. His production included mythological and allegorical figures, particularly representations of Cupid, as well as larger independent sculptures. His work is represented in the Musée Cognacq-Jay, Paris and the Musée du Louvre.

Condition: A few small dents to the thin copper body, including the proper left shoulder, and a narrow fissure in the drapery beneath the figure. Extensive wear and discoloration to the verdigris patina, carefully cleaned and sealed with conservator's wax. The original bow and quiver are absent, with mounting holes remaining at the shoulder and base. Mounted on a later verde marble plinth.

ref. 511DAC11Q