Psyche1.0251_CanovaHitchcock

Antonio Canova, "Cupid and Psyche (or Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss)" 1793, Musée du Louvre, Paris, inv. no.

cf. ML p. 212-15

Stills from the Louvre instructional site: at the Louvre's own website.

L. Vertova, "Cupid and Psyche in Renaissance Painting before Raphael," JWCI 42 (1979), 104-21.

Working on commission of Prince Yusupov of St Petersburg, Canova seems inclined to make the marble come alive. The heavenly, swirling embrace is Canova's particular invention. Narrative Gain: satisfy the commission and bridge to other work.

A pastel painting made during the sculpting (1788-1791) shows Canova with his sculpture group, and Cupid lack wings. For Hugh Douglas Hamilton, "Antonio Canova in his studio with Henry Tresham and a plaster model for Cupid and Psyche". Click here (Psyche1.0251_CanovaHamilton).