History
Greek Origins: Before the Romans adopted him, Cupid was known to the Greeks as Eros. Eros was a handsome deity associated with love and desire. According to ancient Greek author Hesiod, Eros was one of the primeval cosmogonic deities born from the world egg. His lineage varied in different accounts: some considered him the son of Nyx and Erebus, while others believed he was the offspring of Aphrodite and Ares, Iris and Zephyrus, or even Aphrodite and Zeus (who would have been both his father and grandfather). Armed with a bow and quiver containing golden arrows (to arouse desire) and leaden arrows (to ignite aversion), Eros played with the emotions of gods and mortals.
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Roman Adaptation: In Roman mythology, Eros was assimilated into the pantheon as Cupid. While the two deities share many similarities, there are some distinctions. Cupid was often portrayed as a more mischievous figure, sometimes causing trouble for gods and mortals alike with his arrows. He was also associated with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, often depicted as her son.
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Depictions in Art and Literature: From ancient times through the Renaissance and beyond, Cupid/Eros has been a popular subject in art, literature, and poetry. He often appears as a mischievous, playful figure, sometimes causing chaos and sometimes bringing about true love. Artists such as Michelangelo, Titian, and Caravaggio depicted him in various forms, capturing his role as both a playful child and a powerful force of desire.
Venus Blindfolding Cupid, by Titan
Cupid, by Michelangelo
Amor Vincit Omnia, by Caravaggio
Cupid & Psyche
Psyche Receiving Cupid's First Kiss, by François Gérard
The abduction of Psyche, by William-
Adolphe
Bouguereau
Psyche et L'Amour, by Bouguereau
The story of Cupid and Psyche is one of the most renowned tales from ancient mythology, blending elements of love, jealousy, trials, and perseverance. Here's a brief retelling of the myth:
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful mortal princess named Psyche. Her beauty was so extraordinary that it rivaled even that of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite in Greek mythology), which angered Venus greatly. In her jealousy, Venus instructed her son Cupid (Eros in Greek mythology), the god of love, to make Psyche fall in love with the vilest creature he could find.
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However, when Cupid saw Psyche, he was captivated by her beauty and fell deeply in love with her. Instead of following his mother's orders, Cupid shoots Psyche with one of his enchanted arrows, causing her to fall in love with him.
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Despite their love for each other, their relationship faced numerous challenges. Psyche's mortal family was concerned about her lack of suitors due to her stunning beauty, which was attributed to fear of Venus's jealousy. Eventually, Psyche's father consulted an oracle, who prophesied that Psyche was destined to marry a monstrous serpent-like creature who lived on a secluded mountaintop.
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Accepting her fate, Psyche was left on the mountaintop, where Zephyrus, the west wind, gently carried her to a magnificent palace. There, unseen, Cupid visited her every night, professing his love for her but insisting that she must never see his face.
Psyche lived a luxurious life in the palace but longed to see her mysterious husband. Driven by curiosity and longing to reunite with her family, she disobeyed Cupid's warning and lit a lamp to look upon his face as he slept.
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To her astonishment, Cupid was not the hideous creature she had expected but the most beautiful being she had ever seen. In her surprise, she accidentally dripped hot oil from the lamp onto Cupid, waking him. Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, Cupid fled from Psyche.
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Psyche, realizing her mistake, embarked on a quest to win back Cupid's love. Along the way, she faced a series of daunting tasks set by Venus, each seemingly impossible to complete. With the help of various gods and creatures, including ants and an eagle, Psyche overcame each trial.
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Finally, Psyche was brought before the gods themselves, who were moved by her devotion and perseverance. Cupid, still deeply in love with Psyche, pleaded with Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology) to grant Psyche immortality so they could be together forever. Jupiter granted their request, and Psyche was transformed into a goddess.
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In the end, Cupid and Psyche were reunited, their love proven true and enduring despite the challenges they faced. Their story serves as a timeless reminder of the power of love, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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As a result, the story of Cupid and Psyche has been immortalized in numerous sculptures and paintings throughout history, from ancient Greek and Roman artworks to Renaissance masterpieces and beyond. Each interpretation offers a unique perspective on the timeless themes of love, beauty, and the human experience, ensuring that the legacy of Cupid and Psyche lives on through the enduring beauty of art.
Cupid sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen
Cupid and Psyche (from an original of 2nd century BC)
Psyche, by Bertel Thorvaldsen
Personal Connection
I love the story of Cupid and Psyche. On the right is my favorite statute, Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, by Antonio Canova. I got that sculpture tattooed on December 4th, 2023.
