Villa farnesina, loggia di psiche 07

A crowded celestial banquet takes place upon a bed of clouds where the Olympian gods are gathered around a long table. In the center, figures like Jupiter and Juno preside while Bacchus serves wine, and the Three Graces scatter flowers and perfume over the newly immortal Psyche and her husband Cupid. The scene is framed by lush, heavy garlands of fruit and vegetables, characteristic of the suburban villa’s decorative program.

In the Neoplatonic tradition championed by the Florentine Academy, the myth of Psyche (the Soul) serves as a profound allegory for the soul's descent into the material world and its eventual return to the divine through love and purification. This specific scene represents the 'apotheosis,' or the soul's ultimate reception into the celestial realm after completing its earthly trials.