Amor and Psyche Resting

This drawing portrays the winged god Cupid and the mortal Psyche resting together on a bed of clouds or drapery. They are turned toward each other, their bodies overlapping to emphasize their union. The sketch captures a moment of quiet tenderness from the classical myth of their arduous path to marriage.

In the Neoplatonic tradition of the Renaissance, the union of Cupid and Psyche represented the ascent of the human soul (Psyche) through the power of divine Love (Cupid). This specific study contributed to the decoration of the Villa Farnesina, a site deeply influenced by the recovery of classical mystery narratives and the philosophical circles of Rome.