Cupid and Psyche: “We Like Because, We Love Despite”
“In all the constantly changing universe one thing remains unchanged, anima: the soul:” (E.J Kennedy) Antonio Canova’s “Cupid and Psyche” not only captures the soul of love, but embodies the sensitivity and surrender it requires. Their embrace captures both the passion and the pain of a love story, even more so a love story that takes place in the dangerous world of the gods.
Made in 1794 (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), the sculpture carries vast themes that echo throughout mythology, specifically that of Ancient Rome. Beyond love, these themes include human nature, suffering, the barrier between gods and humans, and above all metamorphosis.
Iconography:
The sculpture itself portrays Psyche being rescued in Cupid’s embrace. Her arms around his neck, her head fallen back, neck fully extended, and lips fully exposed to receive the kiss that culminates their love, and cements their fate together. Cupid’s wings are a clear reminder of his divinity, whereas Psyche’s surrendered body defines her mortal nature. This union is key to Psyche and Cupid's relationship, as her mortal battles, and his immortal strength without the ability to help, test their love over and over again. The scene depicts their surrender to each other, a culmination of their fight against all odds. This surrender is to love, not fate, not gods, but to each other. What truly elevates this piece is the idea that gods and humans love and suffer. The god of love himself, cannot escape the sweet suffering and ultimate emotion that defines his soul, and his soulmate. There are a few important aspects to remember in order to fully appreciate this myth: Human nature, Psyche’s and Cupid metamorphosis, choice as a powerful human differentiator, and myth as a moral compass.
Human Nature as Seen Through Cupid and Psyche:
Godly nature and human mirroring of that are not too far apart. Psyche, a mortal of “godly” beauty, is a vessel in examining the pride of the gods. The irony is clear, Aphrofite, the goddess of beauty, feels challenged by a mortal. Although she is cherished and adored by gods and humans alike, her human-like insecurities lead her to punishment and revenge without any basis. She channels this insecurity and fear of inferiority towards Psyche, making her an enemy. With wounded pride, she sends Cupid on a quest to punish Psyche with the love of an ugly man. Yet, as fate would have it, Cupid shoots himself. (Apuleius. Metamorphoses. Cupid and Psyche. trans. E. J. Kenney.) Beyond this idea of fate, Cupid's disobedience against his mother is a mirror-like behavior of human’s desire to do what is right.
The irony gets better, as a goddess like Aphrodite is not in control of her own story anymore. Instead she finds herself indirectly challenged by Psyche, who is described as beautiful, but above all good natured and kind. From a human point of view, she does not deserve the wrath of gods, and Aphrodite is certainly in the wrong. Yet, myth has shown us time and time again that there is no regard for human consequence, sacrifice or pain in the eyes of the gods, unless you are of value to them.
This beginning is key in understanding this myth and the nature of the gods, as Psyche faces a set of challenges from Aphrodite. The story of Cupid and Psyche serves to examine human morals and nature. Beauty brings jealousy and love brings hardship. It begs the question “is pain inherent?” or “can there be love without suffering?”
Psyche’s Metamorphosis: Her Physical Challenges Awaken Her Spirit
Psyche’s transformation into an immortal being is rooted in Aristeia, the concept that success and virtue must be rooted in some sort of challenge. Without this suffering and hardship, Psyche’s immortality and everlasting love would be meaningless. The transformation from mortal to immortal is rooted in an internal development, not a physical one. Psyche’s soul becomes more powerful, strengthened against the emotional and physical challenges she faces. These challenges test her soul and spirit above all, placing emotional vulnerability above anything else. Her journey is symbolic, both in heroism and feminine strength. Psyche's beauty and emotional vulnerability are not a weakness in this story, but instead act as a strength.
Cupid’s Metamorphosis: Vulnerability Equals Emotional Strength
In the same way, love changes Cupid, causing his own emotional metamorphosis. Before experiencing love on his own, Cupid is a mischievous god. He makes people fall in love helplessly with little regard to consequence, signifying his emotional detachment. Yet, the vulnerability that love must ask of someone causes him to change, making him a loving husband to Psyche. The culmination of these changes lies in his ability to see beyond mistakes. He learns that in order to love, one must also forgive.
Choice: Difficult, But Necessary
As is shown often in Greek myth, the future is the consequence of choice. Despite warning, Psyche chooses to see Cupid. This choice defines her and embodies human weakness: love, fear, and curiosity. It’s what makes her human. Accepting the consequence of her choice is what brings her a step closer to the divine. She accepts the consequence of her actions, faces the strength of a powerful Aphrodite, and fights for Cupid. Accepting these challenges with grace and heroic patience initiate her transformation into an immortal being.
How Does Myth Guide? - An Internal Compass
Myth guides individuals, telling them how and why actions must be taken. In some ways, no myth describes love in the same way Psyche and Cupid do. They both sacrifice for love, change themselves, and above all forgive. The ancient people are well aware that life is full of unfair and unjust stories, that beauty brings pain and that with joy comes sadness. Yet, the myth of Cupid and Psyche takes it one step further. In a world where excessive emotion is discounted, it tells people to fall deeply in love, to give in to vulnerability, and above all to find strength in it. It tells people that despite their flaws and weaknesses, love is patient and worth the struggle.