Francesco Bienaimé

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor veining consistent with the material. Venus' little and ring finger of the proper left hand have been restored and the tip of the middle finger was reattached. Cupid's proper right arm and hand are replaced. There are a few small naturally occuring inclusions to the marble, including to Venus' abdomen. There are a number of losses to the foliage, including to the ends of some of the leaves. There are two losses to the tresses of hair to Venus' back. There are chips to the edges of the base.
"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."

Venus stands unashamedly nude, with arms uplifted and leaves forming a cache-sexe. She wears garlands in her hair and an arch of flowers hangs poetically above her. She drops her right hip in a sinuous contraposto pose, accentuating her feminine curves. Her infant son Cupid balances on one foot, having climbed up onto the branch of a tree to reach up closer to his mother. Cupid’s energy contrasts with his mother’s languid pose. A pot lies discarded on the ground, enhancing the carefree scene. The image is one of delightful grace and charm. It combines a human element of touching affection between mother and child, with a mythological overtone. Innocent while sensuous, the group is a fine example of Romantic Italian sculpture.

RELATED LITERATURE
'Francesco Bienaimé', Mapping the practice and profession of sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951, University of Glasgow History of Art and HATII, online database 2011 [http://sculpture.gla.ac.uk/view/person.php?id=ann_1291050056, accessed 01 May 2013]