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Original fileThe goddess Venus stands nude in the center of the composition, gesturing toward the Three Graces who are grouped together on the right. The scene is framed by thick, realistic garlands of fruits and vegetables that divide the ceiling vaults. Winged putti are visible in the surrounding triangular spaces, one of whom interacts with a panther while another carries a shield and a sword.
The Cupid and Psyche cycle represents the High Renaissance Neoplatonic interpretation of the soul's journey toward divine union. The Three Graces specifically embody the 'Liberalitas' of the gods—the tripartite flow of divine energy described by Marsilio Ficino as an unfolding and returning of grace.
Apuleius
The narrative of the fresco cycle is based on the story of Cupid and Psyche found in his 2nd-century work, The Golden Ass.
Marsilio Ficino
Ficino’s Neoplatonic philosophy, particularly his commentary on the Three Graces in 'De Amore', informed the intellectual program of the villa.
Object
Oil on panel
mythological
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 1, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.