After the engraving “Les pèlerins de l’isle de Cythere » (1708), by Bernard Picart (1673-1733), painted en grisaille, gilt and iron red, the scene depicting a Cupid (‘Eros’) holding a staff and torch guiding a pilgrim couple travelling by boat to the Greek Isle of Cythere. The couple is sharing a cup of wine. There are three boats and the island in the background.
An identical tea bowl is in the collection of the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes (France, Port-Louis).
The scene depicts the mythological tale of a fête galante, a popular subject of the 18th-century French aristocracy and artists, including painter Jean-Antoine Watteau’s famous ‘The Embarkation for Cythera’. The myth of the island of Cythera was a great success in the libertine society of the 18th century, the island being considered since Antiquity as the residence of Venus, goddess of love. The presence of Cupid on the painting helps to reinforce this evocation.
Photography : Jérémie Beylard / Agence PHAR
If you would like to be among the first to be notified of our new items, send us your email address
© All rights reserved
