LOVE IN THE CRADLE

Historical and artistic context

This rare sculpture in white Carrara marble by the famous Belgian sculptor Charles-Auguste Fraikin depicts a cherub reclining in a giant clam shell, resting on top of a column in the form of three dolphins. The excellence of this work, from the gentle fall of drapery over the edge of the shell, to the delicacy of the wings and the facial expression of the cherub, is outstanding. The intricacy of the column supporting the shell further testifies to the unparalleled talent of C-A Fraikin. 

It is important to point out that this piece, in addition to being in a perfect state of conservation, is richly documented. Thus, we can say that three identical marble sculptures of this model were made, two of which still exist today.

The first of the three was acquired in a lottery in 1850 by Doctor Lombard, a member of the Lièges medical circle. The second sculpture was acquired in 1853 by Baron Rothschild. The third sculpture was acquired by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, at the World Exhibition of Paris in 1855, then placed in her room at the Tuileries Palace. This last sculpture was unfortunately destroyed in a fire at the Tuileries in 1871. We are delighted to be able to present an exceptional artwork deserving of royal favour.

Literature

• BÉNÉZIT, E. Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs. Paris: Librairie Gründ, 1999. Vol. 5, p. 862.
• THIEME, U. BECKER, F. Allgemeines lexicon der bildenden Künstler von der antike bis zur gegenwart. Germany: E.A. Seemann. 1999. Vol. 12. p. 279.

• ENGELEN, C. MARX, M. La Sculpture en Belgique à partir de 1830, Louvain : Engelen – Marx, 2006. Tome III, p. 1550-1557.

• BIJL. F. (2019).  In Dialoog met de Kunstenaar. [Exhibition Catalogue] Art Center Hugo Voeten.