A Sèvres biscuit group 'L'Education de L'Amour' circa 1763-75

modelled by Etienne-Maurice Falconet after François Boucher, Cupid modelled as a winged youth resting on clouds surrounded by four young women whom he is instructs in the arts of love; one reads out a love letter to him for correction, one studies her face in a mirror, one considers stealing an arrow from his quiver and the last stares up at him reverently, Cupid's wings and two hands restored

Typical minor chips and losses to applied leaves, flowers and extremities. Both of Cupid's wings have been broken off and restored back in position. The restoration has now degraded and the paint is flaking around the break on one wing and has discoloured on the other. Cupid's right hand is also restored, now his index finger is lacking and the surrounding paint has also discoloured. The standing girl examing Cupid's quiver has restoration to her right hand. The handle of the basket of flowers at the rear is lacking. There are some firing cracks and fine cracks running through the base/core of the model: a fine crack runs from the rim at the centre of the front up to the dress of the girl seated with a mirror, another runs through the rock below Cupid's quiver. Typical minor chips to applied flowers.
"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."

This model was intended to be viewed in the round.  It was executed by Falconet, the Director of Sculpture at the Sèvres factory, after drawings by Boucher in 1763.  For an example in the Musée National de Céramique and the original plaster model, see Falconet à Sèvres, Musée National de Céramique exhibition catalogue, 2002, pp. 180-182, no. 107.  Evidently the model was very well received at the French court and examples were bought by Mme. de Pompdour, Mme. Victoire, Mme. du Barry and the comtesse d'Artois, to name but a few.