Antonio Canova’s Eros and Psyche: Neoclassical Masterpiece Analysis
Eros and Psyche by Antonio Canova
Artwork Details
- Artist: Antonio Canova
- Chronology: 1787-1793
- School/Country: Italy
- Style: Neoclassicism
Technical Elements
This sculpture is crafted from marble, utilizing the natural color of the material without additional pigmentation. The carved surface achieves a glossy finish, likely through a polishing technique involving abrasives or a lime-based grout, characteristic of the period’s sculptural practices.
Formal Elements
The sculpture features closed forms, contrasting with the more open and expressive compositions of the Baroque style. While containing emotion, it avoids excessive exaggeration. The primary viewpoint is frontal. The composition is meticulously arranged in an ‘X’ shape, with its focal point at the moment of the kiss between Eros and Psyche, bringing the two figures together harmoniously.
Influences and Dependencies
Canova was significantly influenced by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, particularly in Bernini’s ability to capture intense, fleeting moments. Canova admired this approach and sought to represent similar “situations” or dramatic instances in his own work.
The Myth of Eros and Psyche
The work draws its inspiration from Greco-Roman mythology, specifically the tale recounted by the Latin writer Apuleius in his Golden Ass. The story tells of Psyche, a king’s daughter renowned throughout Asia for her beauty, yet also for her unsociable character and whims. Eros, the god of love, fell deeply in love with her. To win her, he devised a plan: he built a majestic palace and presented it to her as a gift. Dazzled by the gift, Psyche wished to know her benefactor. One night, she discovered the young god, who would come to her bed each night. Frightened by his divine nature, she accidentally spilled hot wax from a candle onto his face. Enraged, Eros fled. Desolate, Psyche unsuccessfully attempted suicide. She then sought counsel from the beautiful goddess Venus, who punished her with three arduous tasks. The final mandate was to collect a jar containing the secret of beauty from Proserpina and deliver it to Venus. Psyche’s curiosity led her to open the jar, causing her to fall into a deep, death-like sleep. She was only awakened when Eros, having forgiven her, kissed her. Canova’s sculpture powerfully depicts this intense moment of awakening and reconciliation.
Meaning, Function, and Patronage
The sculpture captures the precise moment of Psyche’s awakening, with Eros poised above her, about to kiss her. This group symbolizes both profound love and carnal passion, revealing Canova’s exceptional interest in the human form and emotions. The artwork was originally commissioned by Lord Cawdor to adorn his villa. Shortly after, it was stolen by Murat, one of Napoleon’s trusted men. Napoleon himself admired the sculpture so greatly that he decided to protect the artist, ensuring its preservation.
Contemporary Comparisons
Canova had several notable contemporaries. Damià Campeny i Estrany, for instance, is known for works such as Lucrecia (currently at the MNAC) and Sketch of the Death of Cleopatra. Bertel Thorvaldsen, a Danish sculptor, was another prominent figure in the Neoclassical movement.
Historical Context
The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked a period of significant change, encompassing political shifts, evolving patronage (with the rise of the middle class), and ideological transformations. Neoclassical art, while often considered elitist due to its classical themes and refined aesthetic, primarily appealed to and was commissioned by the educated and affluent classes.