Psyche Abandoned

A well-renowned sculptor based in Florence, Cesare Lapini sold sculpture from his gallery in the late 19^th century to an elite global clientele. A culmination of his international success came at the Exposition universelle of 1900 in Paris where he exhibited extensively. Classical inspiration, particularly scenes of the story of Psyche, were frequent choices for Lapini who excelled at graceful composition with highly refined detail. Other examples of Lapini’s portrayals of Psyche include Psyche and the Butterfly sold at Waddington’s, Toronto, 16 December 2017, lot 241 and Cupid and Psyche at Christie’s, New York, 21 April 2021, lot 75.
Lapini’s signature expressiveness, delicacy and refined treatment of drapery in stone are encapsulated in the present work as the gesture of her sorrow acts as a counterpoint to the lightness and youth of the figure who will eventually gain her reward.