A striking and impressive early 20th Century French bronze figure of Eros, the naked wingèd God of Love, this magical and powerful sculpture has excellent detail and a wonderful rich brown patina to the surface of the bronze. Signed Andrei and with Susse Frères Foundry stamp.
Literature:
“Art et Industrie” published in December 1930.
Illustrated on page 36, Susse Frère Catalogue, 1930 (see pictures)
“The Dictionary of Sculptors in Bronze” by James Mackay. Antique collectors club.
“Dictionnaire Illustré des Sculpteurs Animaliers & Fondeurs de l’Antiquité à Nos Jours “ by Jean Charles Hachet. Argus Valentines.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Height: 30 cm
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Circa: 1925
Foundry Susse Frères
Materials: Bronze
Book Ref Art Deco & Other Figures by Bryan Catley
SKU: 3648
ABOUT
René Andrei
René Andrei (French, 1906 ~ 1987) René was a son of a sculptor in Paris, in 1920 he joined the studio of sculpture Lejeune and continued his training at the Beaux Arts. He received the “Grand prix des Arts” in 1937 . He realized many orders of official monumental works.
Eros the God of Love
EROS (Roman Cupid) is the mischievous God of Love, a minion and constant companion of the goddess Aphrodite.
The poet Hesiod first represents him as a primordial deity who emerges self-born at the beginning of time to spur procreation. The same poet later describes two love-gods, Eros and Himeros (Desire), accompanying Aphrodite at the time of her birth from the sea-foam. Some classical writers interpreted this to mean the pair were born of the goddess immediately following her birth or else alongside her from the sea-foam. The scene was particularly popular in ancient art where the godlings flutter about the goddess as she reclines inside a conch-shell.
Eventually Eros was multiplied by ancient poets and artists into a host of Erotes (Roman Cupides). The singular Eros, however, remained distinct in myth. It was he who lit the flame of love in the hearts of the gods and men, armed with either a bow and arrows or a flaming torch. Eros was often portrayed as the disobedient but fiercely loyal child of Aphrodite.
Often represented in sculpture as a young boy with a mischievous nature, Eros usually carries a bow and arrows and is given wings so that he may fly high in the clouds. This allows the unseen Eros to loose an arrow at unsuspecting couples who, once hit by an arrow, will fall hopelessly in love. One hopes that Eros has the time and accuracy to hit both lovers with his amorous arrows, else the passion may not be reciprocated with disastrous results!
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