Cupid and Psyche

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Cupid and Psyche***Francesco Bartolozzi (Italian, active in England, 1727–1815), ca. 1789* *Figures; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of George Campbell* Step into the enchanting world of classical mythology with Francesco Bartolozzi's *Cupid and Psyche*, captivating set of figures created around 1789. Bartolozzi, a masterful Italian artist who thrived in England during the 18th century, was renowned for his delicate reproductions of antique subjects. This work draws from the timeless Roman tale in Apuleius's *The Golden Ass*, where Psyche endures trials for her love of the winged god Cupid, symbolizing the soul's journey toward divine union—a theme that resonated deeply in the Neoclassical era's revival of ancient ideals. Crafted as figurative sculptures, these pieces reflect the period's fascination with graceful, idealized forms, blending Italian finesse with British patronage. Bartolozzi's time in London, working for King George III, honed his skill in evoking emotion through refined lines and textures, making mythological narratives accessible to enlightened collectors. Though research continues, the work's presence in the Smithsonian American Art Museum highlights its role in bridging European artistry with American collections. Today, *Cupid and Psyche* invites visitors to ponder enduring stories of love's trials, a testament to art's power to immortalize human passion amid the elegance of the Enlightenment. (198 words)