Importante paire de Sphinges monumentales chevauchées d'Amours, France, deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle

Combes (L. Morelet), Explication historique de ce qu'il a de plus remarquable dans la maison royale de Versailles et en celle de Monsieur à Saint-Cloud, Paris, 1681.
A. Maral, Le Versailles de Louis XIV. Un palais pour la sculpture, Dijon, 2013, pp. 124-125.

These sphinges are impressive of size and in very good condition overall, ideal to be placed to each side of a staircase in a parc or an entrance hall. As can be seen on the photograph, due to outside exposure, the surface appears to be very slightly weathered with some moss and some natural inclusions to the stone, at several places, but which does not at all harm the appearance of the pieces. A few minor chips and lacks to the lower edges of the sphinges. Right sphinx: As can be seen on the photograph, the Child sitting on the back of the right sphinx, index of his proper right hand, the small finger of his left hand, as well as the two toe tips missing. Left sphinx: Child with one small lack to the foot. For the composition of these impressive sphinges, the artist was inspired by the famous pair of stone Sphinges made in 1670 by Jacques Sarrazin (1592 - 1660) and Louis Lerambert for the Garden of Versailles, still visible there today (inv.n° MR3303). The famous writer La Fontaine describes the Sphinges as the Victory of Love taming fantastic creatures. Combes, in his famous guidbook of the castle of Versailles in 1681, interprets these sphinges as the power of the Souverain, and his faithful love. A similar pair of stone sphinges was sold in these rooms, Sothebys Paris, april 14, 2010, lot 145, (sold for 114 750 euros)
"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.
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La composition de ces sculptures monumentales fait parfaitement écho à celle des sphinx réalisés entre 1667 et 1668 par les sculpteurs Jacques Houzeau et Louis Lerambert, d'après une idée de Jacques Sarazin (1592-1660), et placés en 1670 sur le Grand Parterre à Versailles (Versailles, Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, MR 3303). Il s'agit ici certainement d'une commande privée pour un château, réalisée par un sculpteur français dans le courant du XIXe siècle, en s'inspirant des modèles de Versailles. 
Selon La Fontaine, dans Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon, les sphinges représenteraient la Victoire de l'Amour domptant ces créatures fantastiques et implacables. Dans son guide des châteaux de Versailles et Saint-Cloud, publié en 1681, Combes (op. cit.) y voit la représentation de la puissance du souverain et de l'amour de ses fidèles sujets.
Une paire de Sphinges similaire, de dimensions aussi monumentales, a été vendue par Sotheby's Paris le 14 avril 2010, lot 145 (114 750 €).