Saturday, March 14, 2009

Sculpture of the Week - Cupid and Psyche by Antonio Canova

Antonio Canova, Cupid and Psyche, 1787-93
Musee du Louvre, Paris
(Image source)

This week's Piece of the Week was chosen after I read Sarah's entry about her trip to Paris. Cupid and Psyche is one of those sculptures that people either love immediately (usually girls), or don't like it because of its super-sentimentality (usually boys).

Originally from Venice but active in Rome, Antonio Canova (1757-1822) had a distinguished career producing monuments, sculptures, and tombs. He developed an international reputation and you can find examples of his work in most of the main museums throughout the world.
A practitioner of Neoclassical style, Canova's work is characterised by a delicacy of form and smooth finish. The *sigh* factor in Cupid is created by the interlocking arms and gaze of the two lovers. Admit it, it made you sigh as well.

3 comments:

Sarah said...

*sigh*

Good choice!

Vanilla Bear said...

Aww how sweet. I remember having to analyse the Keats poem Ode To Psyche at school, that was sweet too :)

Stephanie said...

I love this sculpture, but I don't think it's the sentiment that draws me to it. I am a sucker for most artwork depicting any kind of Greek Mythology.

Great choice Cal :D