A FRENCH BRONZE ENTITLED 'SLEEPING NYMPH'

The plaster model for Canova's slumbering nymph was originally conceived in 1820 and was later commissioned in marble by Lord Lansdowne in 1821. Now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, the figure remained unfinished at the time of the artist's death in 1822 and was later completed by his studio in 1824. The nymph, inspired by a classical hermaphrodite, is reputed to be Madame Recamier, the celebrated society hostess.