After Antonio Canova, Italian (1757-1822)
A late 19th century Italian alabaster figural group of Cupid and Psyche
on a naturalistic base, restorations,62cm high x 71cm wide
Footnotes
Considered by many to be one of Canova's finest works and one of the most accomplished sculptures of the Neoclassical style, this group depicts Cupid embracing his lover Psyche moments before his kiss revives her lifeless body. The romantic expression of emotion and theme of tragic love were central to the Neoclassical movement. Here they are explored by Canova in a moving and sensuous composition. The scene depicted is derived from Lucius Apuleius' The Golden Ass.
