Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss at The Louvre, Paris

The story of Cupid and Psyche was a popular artistic choice in the neoclassical period. Canova produced many versions of the theme; most were of terracotta, but he also sculpted some beautiful marble groups, two of which are in the Louvre: Cupid and Psyche standing, and Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss. The figures of Cupid and Psyche are standing, Cupid completely naked, Psyche modestly draped, he with his arm around her shoulders. She raises his left hand with her own, to place a butterfly on his palm. The butterfly symbolizes her soul, which she offers in all innocence to Cupid. The wandering of the soul was a concept of the Neo-platonic philosophy to which Canova adhered. The love between the two characters is represented simply, somewhat naively, by their contemplation of the butterfly. The group stands on a high cylindrical pedestal decorated with garlands of flowers and a butterfly. The upper part of the base could be turned by a handle that can still be seen today, but is now