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Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche

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 view
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
Cup, Saucer and Lid
Object Name: Cup, Saucer and Lid
Royal Vienna
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Object number: 2.6.67abc
Broken Footbridge
Object Name: Figurine
Michel Victor Acier
19th century
Object number: 2.6.50
Object Name: Print
Rudy O. Pozzatti
1973
Object number: UM82.101
Object Name: Scarf
Object number: 89.5.1
Virginia Dare (AKA: Goddess of the Hunt)
Object Name: Bread Plate
Riverside Glass Works
1880-1889
Object number: UM2016.749
Object Name: Plate, holiday
Wedgwood
1981
Object number: UM2013.572
Salve Box
Object Name: Salve Box
Wedgwood
c. 1820
Object number: UM98.54ab
Coach, miniature
Object Name: Coach, miniature
Late 18th Century
Object number: 4.7.2
Cupid's Hunt pattern
Object Name: Compote
Dithridge & Co.
c. 1879
Object number: UM2009.53
Object Name: Sugar Bowl
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The Courtship Of Miles Standish
Object Name: Book
Riverside Press
March 24, 1886
Object number: 83.12.17