Amor Forgiven
Artist
Prosper d'Epinay
(French, 1836 - 1914)
CultureFrench
Date1888
MediumMarble
Dimensions45 x 47 x 24 in. (114.3 x 119.4 x 61 cm)
Base: 45 x 18 in. (114.3 x 45.7 cm)
Base: 45 x 18 in. (114.3 x 45.7 cm)
InscribedSigned on back lower left: "d'Epinay 1888".
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Lydia Aspegren and Family
Object number63.73.1
On View
Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 216
Label TextProsper d’Epinay French, 1836–1914 Amor Forgiven, 1888 Marble Classical mythology is filled with stories about the love goddess Venus and her mischievous winged offspring Cupid. Here, Venus gathers her son in her arms, likely forgiving him for aiming one of his arrows of love at the wrong target. Prosper d’Epinay’s lighthearted subject is largely an excuse for portraying a sensual female nude and cherubic child in playful embrace. The idealized forms, carefully finished surface, and candid sentimentality of D'Epinay’s work typify the conservative, academic sculpture that dominated the Paris Salon in the late 19th century. Gift of Mrs. Lydia Aspegren and family 63.73.1 ProvenanceThe sculpture was purchased from the artist by the famous Swedish opera soprano, Christine Nillson (1843-1923). By the mid-20th century it was owned by the family of Lydia Aspegren of Norfolk, who donated it to the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences in 1963. Exhibition History"Behind the Seen: The Chrysler's Hidden Museum," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., Large Changing Gallery, October 21, 2005 - February 19, 2006.
Joseph Gott
