Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss is a masterpiece of Neoclassical sculpture by Antonio Canova. It depicts the moment from Apuleius's The Golden Ass when the god of love, Cupid (Eros), awakens Psyche from a death-like sleep induced by a potion from the underworld, reviving her with a tender kiss.

Canova's extraordinary technical virtuosity is evident in every aspect of this sculpture: the delicate butterfly wings of Psyche, the feathered wings of Cupid, and the flowing drapery all demonstrate his unrivaled ability to transform cold marble into seemingly soft, living flesh. The intertwined bodies form an elegant X-shaped composition that invites the viewer to walk around the work and discover new perspectives.

Commissioned by Colonel John Campbell in 1787, the sculpture was purchased by Joachim Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law, and eventually entered the Louvre's collections. It remains one of the most beloved and photographed works in the museum, embodying the Neoclassical ideal of beauty inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art.