Artwork
Amor und Psyche
Amor und Psyche is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Battista d'Agnolo. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Created in 1555, this Mannerist canvas portrays the mythic pair Cupid and Psyche in a tranquil outdoor setting.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1555, this Mannerist canvas portrays the mythic pair Cupid and Psyche in a tranquil outdoor setting. The composition centers on a woman in a flowing red dress seated on a rock, holding a golden vase, while a winged cherub stands nearby, reaching toward her shoulder. A pale sky and distant greenery frame the scene, lending a gentle sense of space.
Subject & Meaning
The work visualizes the classical tale of love and the soul, with Psyche represented by the seated woman and Amor by the youthful winged figure. Their interaction—Psyche’s downward gaze and Cupid’s upward look—suggests a moment of intimate connection, echoing the narrative of divine love’s awakening and the soul’s quest for union.
Technique & Style
Battista d'Agnolo employs warm, saturated tones and soft, blended brushwork typical of late‑Renaissance Mannerism. The red drapery contrasts with the muted sky, while the delicate rendering of the cherub’s brown wings and the smooth modeling of flesh convey a refined elegance. Atmospheric perspective is achieved through subtle gradations of green and blue in the background.
History & Provenance
The painting is attributed to Battista d'Agnolo, also known as Battista Angolo del Moro, a Verona‑born artist trained under Francesco Torbido and influenced by Titian. After remaining in private collections for centuries, it entered the holdings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Renaissance holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Battista del Moro (1512 – after 1568) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period active in his native Verona, as well as in Mantua and Venice.
