Cupid and Psyche
Object NameSculpture
Date1890-1900
MediumAlabaster, carved
Dimensions9 3/4 × 4 1/8 × 5 7/8 in. (24.8 × 10.5 × 14.9 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Natural Substances
Credit LineTranferred from Applied Arts Department. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number74.32.167
Status
On viewCollections
CultureItalian
Label TextCUPID & PSYCHE
In ancient Rome, a story about the god Cupid and his love Psyche was a famous tale of everlasting love.
“Psyche was a beautiful princess. So beautiful, the goddess Venus became jealous, and told her son, Cupid, to make Psyche fall in love with a monster. However, when he laid eyes upon the beautiful princess, he fell in love with her himself. As to not let his mother know of this relationship, Cupid could only visit Psyche at night, because if his love saw him, he would disappear. Eventually, curiosity finally got the best of Psyche and she glanced at Cupid. He immediately was gone, and Venus set up many difficult and dangerous tasks for Psyche to win him back. With few other options, Cupid pleaded with the other gods to allow Psyche to join him in heaven. His request was granted, and Psyche became immortal and they were married in heaven.”
-Orton, “The Tale of Cupid and Psyche”
In the Victorian Era (1837-1901), this tale was revitalized in books and poems, returning its cultural significance. The imagery of love and devotion between Cupid and Psyche became a popular motif in a range of mediums. Although the Victorians valued strict rules around courting and romance, they were enthralled with stories of passionate and dramatic love. Throughout the permanent collection, Psyche and Cupid can be seen in objects such as prints, glassware, figurines (pictured below), and Wedgewood tablets.
Source: Orton, David Cooper. “The Tale of Cupid and Psyche.” The British Library, The British Library, www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/mythical/psyche.html
MarkingsSticker reads:
Secretary shelf I
Inv. No. 3001
PM II Applied Art
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Farm House Museum
Object Name: Cup, Saucer and Lid
Royal Vienna
Late 19th century
Object number: 2.6.67abc
Object Name: Bread Plate
Riverside Glass Works
1880-1889
Object number: UM2016.749
Object Name: Book
Riverside Press
March 24, 1886
Object number: 83.12.17