Terracotta sculptuur van een buste van Psyche en Cupido die elkaar kussen before 1857

This terracotta sculpture captures Psyche and Cupid locked in a tender kiss, a motif rich with historical and cultural significance. Cupid, the god of love, and Psyche, representing the soul, embody the union of love and the human spirit, themes deeply rooted in classical mythology. The embrace depicted here is not merely physical; it symbolizes a profound connection that transcends earthly bounds. This motif echoes in countless artworks across centuries, from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings. Consider the way Cupid's wings, often a symbol of freedom and divinity, contrast with Psyche's mortal form, highlighting the transformative power of love. The kiss itself, a recurring gesture in art history, speaks to a universal longing for intimacy and connection. It is a primal act, laden with psychological weight, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Through Marcel Gustave Laverdet's sculpture, we witness how such symbols resurface and evolve, carrying with them a collective memory that continues to resonate today.