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, Italian, c.1716-1799
Title
A Faun with a Kid
Date1751
MediumMarble
Dimensions
30.3 × 18.5 cm
69.5 × 31 × 24.5 cm
SignedBARTOLOMEUS CAVACEPPI SCÛLP RÔM 1751
Credit LineMilltown Gift, 1902
Object numberNGI.8243
Label TextThe original full-size Roman statue, on which this carving is based, was found near the Chiesa Nuova in Rome, around 1675, during road building works. Then missing both arms and a foot, the statue was later restored by the sculptor Ercole Ferrata. It is thought to represent Cyparissus, a boy beloved by Apollo according to Greek mythology. Cavaceppi came to prominence in 1734 following his appointment as restorer to Cardinal Albani, a collector of antiquities and nephew of Pope Clement XI. He was soon supplying copies, restored antique statues, and sometimes fakes to Grand Tourists.