Villa farnesina, loggia di psiche 01

Lush vegetable and floral garlands frame various scenes from the myth of Psyche against a sky-blue background. The two large central 'tapestry' panels depict the Council of the Gods and the Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche. Visitors stand below the high, barrel-vaulted ceiling, which was designed to resemble an outdoor garden arbor open to the heavens.

The cycle depicts the Neoplatonic journey of the human soul (Psyche) through trials and suffering to achieve divine union with Love (Cupid) and immortality. This theme was central to the intellectual life of the High Renaissance and the revival of ancient mystery traditions interpreted through Marsilio Ficino’s philosophy.