Venus Chiding Cupid by Joseph Nollekens R.A. (1737–1823)

An enchanting figure group sculpted in marble by renowned 18th Century sculptor Joseph Nollekens. Venus Chiding Cupid was commissioned by Charles Anderson-Pelham, 1st Baron Yarborough in 1778. He was one of Nollekens’ most important patrons, after meeting him in Rome, and gave him over thirty commissions. Nollekens was also patronised by George III.

This is one of the earliest examples of a full-size idealised mythological figure group by a British sculptor, and Nollekens was very pleased with it. The sculpture was presented to the Usher Gallery by the Earl of Yarborough in 1930 along with several other neoclassical sculptures.