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Amour and Psyche
G. Cartari (?). Late 17th century
This sculpture group is a real rarity. It was purchased in Rome in 1719 by Y. Kologriviv and was first placed in the Grotto pavilion.
Amour and Psyche is one of the most interesting pieces of art among the sculptures of the Summer Garden. The theme is taken from a poetic legend of love between the son of Venus - Amour - and a beautiful girl called Psyche.
The theme is taken from Metamorphoses by the ancient Roman author Apuleus (2nd century AD). According to Apuleus, Psyche was so beautiful that the goddess of beauty Venus felt jealous and sent her son Amour to injure Psyche. However, when Amour saw the girl, he did not cause her any damage, but brought her secretly to his palace and came to see her every night, at the height of darkness. He prohibited her from seeing his face. Guileful and envious sisters made Psyche disobey the ban and she tried to see her beloved, using a night-lamp.
We see this wonderful myth embodied in marble. Psyche bends towards her mysterious husband- In a moment, a drop of oil falling from the night-lamp will wake Amour up, and he, enraged, will leave Psyche. The girl will have to go through many trials before she meets her beloved again.
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