Villa farnesina, loggia di psiche 05

The Olympian gods are gathered on clouds in a scene styled as a hanging tapestry, framed by lush botanical garlands. Jupiter sits enthroned upon his eagle as a young Cupid pleads his case, while Venus stands nearby presenting her arguments. Mercury is visible on the far left holding his caduceus, and other deities like Neptune with his trident and Juno with her peacock look on.

This scene illustrates the climax of the myth of Cupid and Psyche as told by Apuleius, which Renaissance Neoplatonists interpreted as an allegory for the human soul's (Psyche) journey through suffering to achieve divine immortality. Commissioned by Agostino Chigi, the cycle reflects the high Renaissance synthesis of classical mythology and philosophical inquiry into the nature of love.