About
Psyche revived by Cupid’s kiss. After Canova. Beautifully carved in fine statuary marble.
The winged young man who has just landed on a rock where a girl lies unconscious, is the god Eros – Cupid in Latin and can be recognized by his wings. The girl’s name is Psyche, Cupid’s mother, Venus goddess of Beauty, demanded that Psyche bring back a flask from the underworld, strictly forbidding her to open it.
But Psyche’s curiosity got the better of her and no sooner had she had breathed in the terrible fumes than she fell into a deep, deathlike sleep. Seeing her lying motionless, Cupid rushed to her and touched her gently with the tip of his arrow, to make sure she was not dead. This is the moment caught by the sculptor: Cupid lifts his beloved Psyche in a tender embrace, his face close to hers. Psyche lets herself sink slowly backwards, languorously taking her lover’s head between her hands.
Canova took his inspiration from a legend recounted by Latin author Apuleius in the Metamorphoses. At the close of the tale the gods decide in council to grant Cupid Psyche’s hand in marriage, according her immortality and making her the goddess of the Soul.
Details
- In the Style Of
- Place of origin
- Date of manufacturecirca 1840
- Period
- Materials and techniques
- ConditionGood.
- WearWear consistent with age and use.
- Dimensions
H 33 in. x W 34 in. x D 16 in.
H 83.82 cm x W 86.36 cm x D 40.64 cm
- Seller locationTyrone, GB
- Seller reference numberSC010
- Reference numberLU108229604291
Shipping, Returns & Payment
- Shipping
Global Shipping Available
View all shipping quotes - Return Policy
This item cannot be returned or exchanged.
View details
- Online Payment Methods1stdibs accepts the following payment methods
- Item InvoiceGenerate an invoice that you can customize and print.
About the Seller
Vetted
1stdibs seller since 2014
Typical response time: 2 hrs
Located in Tyrone, GB
You may also contact the seller by phoneCall seller through 1stdibs
Why Shop on 1stdibs?
Only Vetted, Professional Sellers
Buyer Protection Guaranteed
Fully Insured Global Deliveries