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John Gibson (1790-1866)

Cupid and Psyche c.1841

Marble | 496.0 x 134.0 x 7.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 41062

Grand Corridor First Section, Osborne House

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  • This delicate low relief arched plaque in carrara marble by the British sculptor John Gibson was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1844 and it was intended to be a gift for her husband, Prince Albert, on their wedding anniversary in January 1845 but it was presented to him as a Christmas present that same year instead.

    The technique of sculpting a marble surface in low-relief (also known as 'rilievo schiacciato') to create a pictorial scene was widely used in classical antiquity and was re-introduced in Europe in the early Renaissance by the Italian sculptor Donatello, who explored the three dimensional possibilities of low relief sculpture to convey depth and perspective on a two dimensional plane. The sculptor John Flaxman introduced the technique in Britain in the last quarter of the 18th century inspiring neo-classical artists of the 19th century. John Gibson has made use of the technique to create an evocative depiction, like a picture, of the mythical gods and lovers Psyche and Cupid.

    Psyche, partially dressed and showing her butterfly-like wings, reclines on a Greek style settee with her head resting on the shoulders of a seated Cupid who embraces Psyche with his arms and whose bird wings are also clearly visible. The relief symbolises celestial love as opposed to earthly love. Cupid's attributes, the bow and arrow lay on the floor, next to a lyre, symbol of love, which leans against the feet of the settee and bears the inscription in Latin 'OPUS IOANNIS GIBSON ROMAE' (The work of John Gibson in Rome).

    John Gibson was one of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's favourite artists. He began his artistic career in England and in 1817 he travelled to Rome to work in the studio of the great Italian neo-classical sculptor Antonio Canova. After Canova's death in 1822 he worked in the studio of the also famous neo-classical artist, the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose less dramatic style had a lasting influence in Gibson's work. He settled in Rome where he lived for the rest of his life and although he never returned to work in Britain he became one of the most sought after sculptors amongst wealthy British patrons.

    Provenance

    Given to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria, 24th December 1845 [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 460]

  • Medium and techniques

    Marble

    Measurements

    496.0 x 134.0 x 7.0 cm (whole object)


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