Cupid and Psyche

Description

Crowned with laurel wreaths, Cupid and Psyche recline on a couch with their daughter Voluptas between them. Ceres, goddess of fertility and abundance, pours water on Cupid’s hand. The scene is derived from a story by Apuleius (about AD 124–170) narrating Psyche’s adventures leading up to her marriage to Cupid. The rich contrasts of light and shadow that Ghisi achieved in this engraving make this print especially sensual and luxurious. It reflects his later style and the different textures he was able to achieve in human bodies, silky drapery, and lush foliage.

Provenance

Albertina duplicate, Vienna, stamp (Lugt Supp. 5g), lower left, verso, in red ; purchased from R.E. Lewis, Inc., CA)

Cupid and Psyche

Giorgio Ghisi

1574

Accession Number

1980.94

Medium

engraving

Dimensions

Sheet: 36 x 23.4 cm (14 3/16 x 9 3/16 in.)

Classification

Print

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund