3-008-636 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: "Love Resting on Friendship", sculptured by Professor Fantachiotti, in the Italian Court, 1862. 'The dog is and must ever be one of the best types of friendship, faithful under all circumstances of fortune and ever vigilant. And what more apt impersonation of love have we than the old Pagan ideal of a wayward child or thoughtless youth? Happy union, when both are united, and especially when Love rests in perfect security on ever-wakeful Friendship...we would call attention to the exquisite truthfulness with which sleep is expressed in the face and attitude of Cupid - in the perfect relaxation of every part, and that easy flexion of the joints so characteristic of childhood...The finish is very remarkable throughout, and especially where most needed - that is, in the features and extremities. Even the hairy texture of the dog was evidently a labour of love, and it forms a most agreeable contrast to the morbidezza of Cupid's flesh'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.