Venus suckling love. Bronze with brown patina. France or Italy, 18th century. Dim.: 27.9 and terrace: 22.8 x 11.6 cm (Gaps and wear, probably later patina, accident to the right toe). Provenance: Private collection since the early 20th century, by descent. Related work : - Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, Leda and the Swan, bronze, 34.29 x 38.1 x 27.94 cm, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, n°inv. F83-36. This charming and rare sculptural model of Venus suckling Cupid was previously attributed to a follower of the Italian artist Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656 - 1740), in connection with his sensual elongated female figures and groups featuring this ovidian theme. The group's tighter, pyramidal construction, the softened drapery and the presence of naturalistic details on the base suggest a French lead from the classicizing school of the Louis XIV period. Expert : Mr Alexandre Lacroix