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1 of 253523 objects
Love and Malice signed & dated 1859
Marble | 130.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2051
![Love and Malice Love and Malice](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/5/c/908662-1564497977.jpg?itok=mcOlppZ5)
Jean Geefs (1825-60)
Love and Malice signed & dated 1859
![Love and Malice Love and Malice](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/9/c/908661-1564497909.jpg?itok=E_3yGwW2)
Jean Geefs (1825-60)
Love and Malice signed & dated 1859
![Love and Malice Love and Malice](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/0/4/360160-1360334322.jpg?itok=lNFDiBzC)
Jean Geefs (1825-60)
Love and Malice signed & dated 1859
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/5/c/908662-1564497977.jpg?itok=mcOlppZ5)
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/9/c/908661-1564497909.jpg?itok=E_3yGwW2)
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/0/4/360160-1360334322.jpg?itok=lNFDiBzC)
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This full length marble group sculpture of a nude female sitting on a rock from which a spring emanates is probably a depiction of one of the nymphs of the goddess Diana. Nymphs were often in search of Cupid – the god of love - to punish him for inappropriately shooting his love arrows. Clipping his wings while he was asleep was one of the punishments. Cupid’s quiver and arrows hang to the side of the rock. This composition is typical of nineteenth century neo-classical artists who wanted to replicate the idealised forms, simplicity and clarity of lines of ancient sculpture, and recurred to classical mythology as their source of inspiration for subject matter. It was a style that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert enjoyed, and at Osborne House they displayed many of the works by neo-classical artists that they patronised. They particularly liked their ability to depict nudity with decorum and restraint, and to represent emotional subjects without drama. Jean Geefs (1825-60) was a Belgian sculptor and one of six brothers, two of whom Guillaume and Joseph, also became accomplished sculptors. Several of Guillaume's works were acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Provenance
Given to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria on his birthday, 26th August 1859 [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 462]. Placed by Queen Victoria at Osborne House. Later sent to Windsor Castle.
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Creator(s)
(sculptor)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Marble
Measurements
130.8 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
L'Amour et La Malice