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
Subject & Meaning
The painting by Battista d'Agnolo, dated 1555, is a mythological work centered on the classical lovers Cupid and Psyche.
The painting by Battista d'Agnolo, dated 1555, is a mythological work centered on the classical lovers Cupid and Psyche. As a representation of the genre of mythological painting, the subject matter directly depicts these two figures, who constitute the main theme of the composition. The work interprets the ancient narrative of their relationship, utilizing the established iconography of the god of love and the mortal princess to explore themes of romance and divine intervention within the context of Renaissance art.
History & Provenance
The painting Amor und Psyche is dated to 1555 and attributed to Battista d’Agnolo (Battista Agnolo del Moro).
It is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains today. The work entered the museum’s holdings as part of its permanent collection, with no documented private or institutional ownership history prior to its museum acquisition.
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.
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.
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.
