Plaster Model of Cupid & Psyche by Canova in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Cupid and Psyche
Plaster Model
Antonio Canova (1757-1822)
Born in Possagno, active in Venice, and especially Rome, 1794

Accession # 05.46

The metal pins inserted over the surface assisted the sculptor in transferring the form of the complex group from the plaster to the block of marble from which the sculpture was carved. Canova made two slightly different versions of this composition. The first, commissioned by a Briton, was later acquired by Napoleon's brother-in-law and is now in the Musee du Louvre in Paris. The second, for which this full-scale model was prepared, was made for Prince Nicholas Youssoupov and is now in the Hermitage, Saint Petersburg. The plaster was inherited by Canova's assistant, Adamo Tadolini, who used it to replicate additional groups.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.