Grand médaillon en marbre, Allégorie du Sommeil

trois Amours ailés, allongés les uns sur les autres

Référence bibliographique
I. Faldi, Galleria Borghese. Le Sculture dal secolo XVI al XIX, Rome, 1954, p. 13, cat. n° 6.

Very good condition overall with inclusions to the marble at several places (tiny holes can be seen on the photograph). A few fingertips and toetips missing at several places (one index and two big toes). Minor surface dust in the crevices consistent with age. A few minor chips to the rim of the medallion. Very attractive marble.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce grand médaillon en marbre a été réalisé au XIXe siècle d'après un modèle du XVIe siècle, conservé à la Galleria Borghèse à Rome (inv. n° CLXXXIV). Un autre exemplaire est décrit à la Villa Mattei comme 'un gruppo de puttini che dormono sopra un tauolino di pietra paragone cosa pretiosa, e rara'. Une autre version, parfois considerée comme antique, se trouve au museo degli Argenti au Palazzo Pitti. Les trois Amours ailés dormant, Morphée, Icélos et Phantasos, enfants du Sommeil, personnifient les songes décrits ainsi par Ovide dans ses Métamorphoses : 'Ces trois Songes voltigent, pendant la nuit, dans le palais des rois, sous les lambris des grands; les autres, Songes subalternes, visitent la demeure des vulgaires mortels...'.(livre XI, 633-646).