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Henry Bone (1755-1834)

Cupid and Psyche Signed and dated 1803

Enamel | 21.2 x 26.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404266

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  • The story of Cupid and Psyche (Soul) is told by Apuleius in his Metamorphoses. Psyche was a princess, beloved by the god Cupid, who visited her nightly, but remained invisible, forbidding her to attempt to see him. One night she took a lamp and looked at him as he slept, but let a drop of hot oil fall on his shoulder and woke him. He departed, telling her that love can only exist where there is trust. Unhappy Psyche wandered in search of Cupid until eventually Jupiter, the king of the gods and Cupid’s father, made Psyche immortal so that she could be united with her lover.This is a copy by Henry Bone (1755-1834) of Sir Joshua Reynolds’ picture exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1798, originally painted for the Earl of Upper Ossory and bought by Samuel Rogers, the poet and art collector. Psyche is said to have been a portrait of Frances Anne Greville (1748-1818), afterwards the celebrated wife of John Crewe, who was member of parliament for Cheshire. In 1784, the Prince of Wales made a toast to ‘True blue and Mrs Crewe’ at a party given by the couple and blue became closely associated with the Whig parliamentary party from then on.

    Bone was born in Truro in Cornwall, the son of a woodcarver and cabinet maker, and began his artistic career painting on china for local manufacturers. In about 1779, he moved to London, where he became established as one of the most outstanding enamellists of his day. His children and grandchildren also became miniaturists. He painted designs for lockets, watches and jewellery. He was principally a copyist and his large-scale enamels were based on paintings by Old Masters and leading contemporary artists. He exhibited over 240 items at the Royal Academy between 1781 and 1832, when his eyesight began to fail. He was appointed enamel painter to the future George IV in 1801, before holding the same position to George III from 1809, and later George IV and William IV. Bone could obtain top prices for his work – in 1811 he received 2,200 guineas for his framed Bacchus and Ariadne. He was described by a contemporary as a ‘worthy, kind, liberal and affectionate man’.

    The miniature is signed and dated HBone 1803, and inscribed by the artist on the reverse in black paint: London Decr 1803 / Painted for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales / by Henry Bone A.R.A. Enamel Painter to His Royal / Highness after a Picture by the late Sr Joshua Reynolds / in the possession of Samuel Rogers Esqre .

    Provenance

    Commissioned by George IV when Prince of Wales and listed in the Bone accounts for 10 February 1804: 'Cupid and Psyche Enamel - 10 1/4 inches by 8 1/4 square 210.0.0  Framing 22.1.0.' (RA GEO 27258); recorded in the Prince Regent's Bedroom at Carlton House in 1819 (no 187)

  • Medium and techniques

    Enamel

    Measurements

    21.2 x 26.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)

    52.5 x 57.5 cm (frame, external)


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