DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3483#0059
17
HEAD OE PSYCHE.
To give interest to a head, or single figure, requires often more skill and
knowledge of the art than where the subject admits of a greater variety.
This Head of Psyche is taken from a cast in Tassie's collection. It is said
to be engraved on cornelian; but in whose possession it is not mentioned.
From the delicacy of the work, as well as the form of the features, we have
no doubt of its antiquity. The profile is perfectly Grecian. There are several
copies after this head, which shew it to have been in much estimation. It
is highly characteristic (both from the expression and action) of softness and
sensibility. The thought of placing the butterfly, a symbol of the soul, on the
bosom of the female, is impressively beautiful, and the situation considerably
assists the composition.
THE VIGNETTE
Contains the following gems, illustrative of the subject of Cupid and Psyche,
and expressive of the influence of love upon the soul.
Cupid embracing psyche, (half lengh figures)—is a cameo, an elegant
antique fragment, in the Florentine Museum.
Cupid burning a butterfly at an altar.—A cornelian in the possession
of Mr. Crusius. On many gems Cupid is represented as taking pleasure in
the torments he inflicts. This exhibits signs of remorse, by his turning away
his head from the object of his torture. It is probable that gems were made
F
HEAD OE PSYCHE.
To give interest to a head, or single figure, requires often more skill and
knowledge of the art than where the subject admits of a greater variety.
This Head of Psyche is taken from a cast in Tassie's collection. It is said
to be engraved on cornelian; but in whose possession it is not mentioned.
From the delicacy of the work, as well as the form of the features, we have
no doubt of its antiquity. The profile is perfectly Grecian. There are several
copies after this head, which shew it to have been in much estimation. It
is highly characteristic (both from the expression and action) of softness and
sensibility. The thought of placing the butterfly, a symbol of the soul, on the
bosom of the female, is impressively beautiful, and the situation considerably
assists the composition.
THE VIGNETTE
Contains the following gems, illustrative of the subject of Cupid and Psyche,
and expressive of the influence of love upon the soul.
Cupid embracing psyche, (half lengh figures)—is a cameo, an elegant
antique fragment, in the Florentine Museum.
Cupid burning a butterfly at an altar.—A cornelian in the possession
of Mr. Crusius. On many gems Cupid is represented as taking pleasure in
the torments he inflicts. This exhibits signs of remorse, by his turning away
his head from the object of his torture. It is probable that gems were made
F