About this piece
back to topAn antique green painted terracotta neoclassical plaque after Bertel Thorvaldsen’s ‘Ages of Love’, attributed to Danish 19th century artist, Peter Ipsen (1815-1860).
Based on an ancient model, this classical scene sees a winged Psyche distributing angelic cupids as a symbol of love to men and women of all ages. The buff toned figures are modelled in relief before a green painted backdrop and further buff terracotta frame. Though unsigned, this manner is synonymous with Ipsen’s other signed works, one of which we are selling under Stock No. 36355.
Ipsen was an artist of the 19th century renowned for making neoclassical works of art in terracotta. Attributed to the artist, this is just one such example of Ipsen’s work, demonstrating his skill in sculpting fine detail. An excellent collector’s piece!
Numbered ‘845’ to the reverse with a partial pen inscription and paper label reading ‘Thorwaldsen, Altar of Love’.
Bertel Thorvaldsen
Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) lived most of his life in Rome, Italy. He was prominent in Roman intellectual and artistic circles, famed for his classical sculpting style often inspired by themes from the bible or ancient mythology.
Thorvaldsen’s ‘Ages of Love’ was made in 1824 and resides in the Thorvaldsens Museum, Copenhagen.
