Art Institute of Chicago

The Gods Celebrating the Wedding of Psyche and Cupid

Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560)

Date

1530/40

Medium

Engraving in warm brown ink on cream laid paper

Culture

Italy

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Once Psyche prevails by sorting a pile of grain, acquiring the golden wool from dangerous sheep, and invading the underworld, Venus relents in her grudge against her prospective daughter-in-law. The goddess and Cupid petition Jupiter to allow the lovers to marry properly. Psyche ultimately gains immortality for her devotion to Cupid, and all of Olympus attends their nuptial feast. Many Italian Renaissance artists, notably Raphael, painted this celebration of triumphant love. The Master of the Die’s series then ends in the happy couple’s officially sanctioned marriage bed.

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