DESCRIPTION
A superb lifetime cast of Jules-Félix Coutan's celebrated 'Cupid' (Eros), depicting the winged god of love in a dynamic contrapposto pose, arrow drawn and body tensed with mythological energy. Cast in rich, deeply patinated bronze by the prestigious Parisian foundry E. Colin & Cie, this sculpture exemplifies the finest tradition of French academic bronzes of the Belle Époque period. The incised signature 'J. Coutan Rome' — referencing Coutan's time at the Villa Medici as a Prix de Rome laureate — and the stamped foundry mark confirm this as an authenticated lifetime cast of the documented 66–68 cm model. A distinguished acquisition for collectors of 19th-century French academic sculpture, with auction comps at Van Ham Kunstauktionen and Bukowskis confirming sustained international market demand.
CONDITION REPORT
The patinated bronze sculpture presents in excellent overall condition with a rich, even dark brown patina consistent with age and quality of casting. The fine surface detail — including the elaborately rendered wings, curling hair, and musculature — remains crisp and well-defined throughout. The integral round bronze base is stable and undamaged; the signature and foundry stamp are both clearly legible and unaltered.
