L'Aveuglement d'Amour

An ivory group after Raphael, in a pavillion-like structure, supported by four pillars; Venus is wearing a green sprig set with diamonds; Cupid carries an arrow in his left hand, bow and quiver - enamelled like the arrow - lie to his feet; the pillars and arches are gilded and decorated with silver arabesques; the pillars' capitals are swans, enamelled in white; two gilded and enamelled cupids stand between the pillars on small pedestals, one with a twig and a trumpet, the other with quiver and arrow (now lost); the multiply stepped pedestal is decorated with eight cut stones and diamonds, the base plate of the group is set with rubies and diamonds; the finial is made up of a low relief of Venus and Mars, cut in seashell, under a canopy which is enamelled and set with diamonds and rubies.