Italian, probably Rome, early 19th century After the Antique

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt to the crevices. There is minor veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to Amor's proper right thigh. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions, including to both figures' back. There is some minor spotting to the surface of the marble, probably merely dirt, in particular at the abdomen and upper legs of the figures. There are a few small scratches to Amor's proper left arm at the back, and to the Psyche's back. There are a few minor abrasions to the drapery at Psyche's side. The terrasse is composed of two sections, one of which is stuck to the top of the column. There are chips and abrasions to the edges of the terrasse and to the socle. There are some detachments and losses to the drum of the marble column. There are some minor chips and abrasions to the edges of the column base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This intimate marble group of a couple embracing is after the Roman model, now in the Capitoline Museum. The iconography has sometimes charmingly been interpreted as 'the invention of the kiss', but has commonly been known as Cupid and Psyche. The Roman model, discovered in 1749, was donated by Pope Benedict XIV to the Capitoline Museum in the following year. Except for a brief sojourn in France, where it was received in Paris with a triumphant procession after being ceded by Napoleon, it was returned to the Roman Museum, where it has remained since. 

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique, the Lure of Classical Sculpture, 1500-1900, London, 1981, p. 189-191