Gugliemo Pugi
Psyche
Lot #66 |
2023-12-08 |
Sotheby's, London
19th & 20th Century Sculpture
Category:
Sculpture
Estimate:
GBP 15,000 - 20,000 (currency of sale)
USD 18,865 - 25,153 (approx.)
Price Sold:
Auction Details
Auction house: Sotheby's
Auction number: L23232
Auction name: 19th & 20th Century Sculpture
Auction type: Fine Art
Location: London
Start date: 2023-12-08
End date: 2023-12-13
Currency: GBP
Source:
Login to view
Lot Description
Details
Genre: 20th Century Sculpture Art
Department: Sculpture & 3D Art
Medium: Login to view
Item measurements:
Signed: Login to view
Edition: AP
Edition notes: Artist's proof.
Catalog summary
Gugliemo Pugi Italian active circa 1900 Psyche signed: Pugi white marble 83cm., 32Ā¾in. Catalogue note This enchanting marble depicts the figure from classical myth Psyche, who is represented with her characteristic butterfly wings. The lover of Cupid, Psyche suffered numerous trials at the hands of the vengeful goddess Venus before being finally united with the god of Love. She is here shown about to open the jar given to her by Venus to collect a scrap of beauty from the goddess Proserpina. Despite Venus' orders not to open the jar, Psyche's curiosity overwhelmed her and, as a result, she fell into deep slumber. Antonio Canova famously depicted the aftermath of this event, in which Cupid revives her with a kiss. Guglielmo Pugi is known for his genre sculpture in marble and alabaster, and he had a large international client base.Ā He founded his workshop in Florence, which later expanded to include his sons, Gino and Fiorenzo.