A group of two Sèvres porcelain figures figuring 'l'Amour menaçant' and 'Psyché', 18th century

on bases, one made of Sèvres soft-paste porcelain, 18th century, dated 1761, the other from Paris, 19th century, the pedestal with bleu lapis backgrounds with flower bouquets and inscriptions :qui que tu sois voicy ton maitre il l'est, le fût ou le doit être et non ! pas plus que tu n'es mon maitre tu ne le fus, ni ne doit l'être, the figure of Psyché marked underneath the base LR 9 for Le Riche, the Sèvres pedestal marked with the interlaced letters LL the letter H for 1760, and the mark of the painter Xhrouet

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The base of the Amour is slightly ground. Half of the bow on the Psyché is missing. There are three chips to the inside edge of the Amour's base. There is one chip (approx. 1 cm.) to the Psyché's 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."

This figurine was produced at the Sèvres manufactory from 1758 after the model created in plaster mold in 1755 and exhibited in marble at the Salon of 1757 by Etienne Maurice Falconet, director of the sculpture workshop at Sèvres manufactory from 1757 to 1766.

The first copies were sold in December 1758 at the price of 144 French pounds, notably to Madame de Pompadour on 30 December.

After 1761, the manufactory produced a Psyche figurine, also after Falconet, to be paired with the Menacing Cupid. The first pair was bought by the Earl of Choiseul on 24 July 1761 for 96 French pounds each.

The first plinth for the Menacing Cupid, mentioned in the sales records as a pied d’estal de l’Amour lapis (pedestal for Cupid lapis), was sold for 120 French pounds to the decorative arts dealer Poirier during the second half of the year 1760. (Arch. Sèvres, Cité de la Céramique, Vy3 f ° 33v.).

After the beginning of the year 1761, appear the sales of pedestals for bisque porcelain Cupid for 24 French pounds each and the price of colored pedestals lowered to 96 French pounds.