Sunday, February 2, 2014

Figure of the Day: Three Graces Distressing Cupid, c. 1785



Three Graces Distressing Cupid
William Duesbury & Co.
Derby, England
1785
The Victoria & Albert Museum




A figure group of soft-paste porcelain on an irregular base of modeled flowers and leaves, this is the work of Derby’s William Duesbury & Co and dates to about 1785.

The subject is “Three Graces Distressing Cupid.” Poor Cupid is tied to a tree by his waist. One of the Graces is mocking him by breaking his bow over her knee. Another is pinching him. And, the third is pelting him with flowers. None of that seems very graceful.




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