George Aarons, Cupid and Psyche, 1927, bronze, 10 3⁄4 x 15 x 7 1⁄8 in. (27.2 x 38.0 x 18.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gertrude Aarons, 1983.99
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Cupid and Psyche
- Artist
- Date
- 1927
- Location
- Dimensions
- 10 3⁄4 x 15 x 7 1⁄8 in. (27.2 x 38.0 x 18.1 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Gertrude Aarons
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- bronze
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Mythology — classical — Cupid
- Mythology — classical — Psyche
- Figure group
- State of being — emotion — love
- Object Number
- 1983.99
Artwork Description
This idealized sculpture is an example of George Aarons' earlier work, and shows the mythological characters Cupid and Psyche in a passionate embrace. The goddess Venus was jealous of the mortal Psyche's beauty, and sent her son, Cupid, to punish the girl. Cupid fell in love with Psyche, however, and stole her away to live in the mountains. Psyche eventually won the favor of Venus and was granted immortality by the gods. In this piece, Aarons combined the two figures to create a single, unified form. Psyche leans back in a graceful arch while Cupid supports her with his wings.