Cupid and Psyche

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

Collections

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