Villa farnesina, loggia di psiche 20

The image captures a corner of a vaulted ceiling where mythological figures are set against a vivid blue sky. Mercury is depicted in flight with his caduceus and winged hat, while a bearded Jupiter sits nearby with his eagle. The architectural ribs of the vault are disguised as thick, realistic festoons of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Based on Apuleius’s 'The Golden Ass', this cycle represents the Neoplatonic allegory of the soul's (Psyche) journey and eventual union with Divine Love (Cupid). The integration of classical myth and complex botanical symbolism reflects the humanistic interests of the Chigi circle in Rome, where the soul’s ascent was a central philosophical theme.