The Demidoff Table. Artist: Lorenzo Bartolini (Italian, 1777-1850). Culture: Italian, Florence. Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): H. 64 3/8 x W. 51 1/4 x Diam. 49 3/4 x in. (163.5 x 130.2 x 126.4 cm). Patron: Commissioned by Prince Anatole Demidov (1845-1870). Date: 1845.
Commissioned by Count Anatoly Nicolaevich Demidoff. The subject is a complex, cosmological allegory best described in the sculptor's own words: "Stretched out upon the plan of the world is Cupid, god of generation, sustaining and watching over the symbolic genius of dissolute wealth without virtue, who snores in his sleep . . . dreaming of past diversions in pleasure. Left to himself, the genius of ambitious rectitude in work sleeps the agitated sleep of misfortune and glory. . . his head extending beyond the periphery of the world."
The original plaster is in the Gipsoteca Bartoliniana, Florence.