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Psyche et Amoris Nuptiae ac Fabula; Pl.7

Author: Bellorio, Giovanne Pietro · 1613-1696Publisher: de Rossi, Domenico · 1647-1729Primary draughtsman: Raphael, Sanzio · 1483-1520Printmaker: Dorigny, Nicolas · 1652-1746

Psyche et Amoris Nuptiae ac Fabula; Pl.7

he is named in the main inscription on the title page, after original designs by Raphael

he is named in the main inscription on the title page, after original designs by Raphael

he is named in the main inscription on the title page

he is named in the main inscription on the title page, he provided the texts, taking as his source the story The Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius (the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety)

he is named in the secondary, dedicatory, inscription on the title page

Set of eight engravings of Raphael’s frescoes of scenes from the myth of Cupid (also known as Eros) and Psyche in the Villa Farnesina in Rome. Raphael’s paintings illustrate part of the story The Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius (the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety). In this work, Venus, jealous of a beautiful mortal girl named Psyche, sends Cupid on an errand to punish the girl. Cupid instead falls in love with Psyche, and after a series of secrets, betrayals, and trials, the lovers are reunited, and Psyche is made immortal.

The frescoes are painted on the vaults and ceiling above demilune reserves on the ground floor at the end of the entrance hall, now known as the Loggia of Psyche. Images of leafy garlands of fruit accentuate the arches of the vaults, also framing the classical images. The frescoes were commissioned by the Sienese banker Agostino Chigi, called “magnifico” by his peers for his richly decorated villa and the elegant entertainments he hosted there. The paintings were recently restored and the Villa Farnesina is open to the public as a museum.

The full set as published comprised the title page, 8 plates of lunettes (all as present here). Vide British Museum BM245*.b.01* for a complete bound copy which includes two large figurative group compositions.. The BM also holds several impressions of loose plates.

For related plates vide RSA Acc No 2015.044.1-9 in.