Object Description
A beautifully weathered white statuary marble statue depicting a sleeping Cupid and his loyal dog by 19th century German artist, Emil Wolff (signed).
Marked ‘Roma 1870’, this sculpture is of Italian origin, the sculptor having relocated to Rome after being awarded a scholarship to study under the eminent sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen, in 1822.
Expertly carved, this decorative sculpture has a serene ambience, depicting a young Cupid in a moment of tranquility with a dog to his left who rests his paw on his leg. It is large in scale – measuring almost 1m wide! – making it a standout piece for any space.
Best suited for placement outdoors, although equally as striking for an interior setting, this large neoclassical carved marble statue is naturally weathered from exposure to the elements over many years, instilling it with a characterful, timeworn patina that would not look out of place in any garden or courtyard.
Emil Wolff (1802-1879)
Sculptor and artist, Emil Wolff, was born in Berlin, Germany in 1802. Following study at the Prussian Academy of Arts, he was awarded a scholarship to study in Rome under Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1884), the famed Danish sculptor who was prominent in Roman intellectual and artistic circles for his classical sculpting style inspired by ancient mythology and biblical themes.
In 1828, Wolff ventured to Malta and Greece to further his learning and refine his artistic skills, establishing himself as one of the most knowledgeable sculptors of the ancient arts in Rome at the time. He later became one of the city’s most highly-regarded artists; so much so that he was appointed President of the Accademia di San Luca in 1874, one of the most important Roman artistic associations.
Some of Wolff’s most famous works include marble carvings of Greek interest inspired by his travels including Thetis and Eros, as well as various British portrait works that still form part of the Royal Collections to this day. In 1854, Frederick William IV purchased a marble statue of a Greek naiad for the fountain niche of the Sicilian Garden in Sanssouci Park, Germany. This was later removed in 1975 due to erosion and replaced with a replica in 2017.