Venus Chides Cupid c.1695-97
Oil on copper | 57.2 x 70.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406773
![Venus Chides Cupid Venus Chides Cupid](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/f/0/256411-1330622763.jpg?itok=W1R9q1ZK)
Luca Giordano (Naples 1634-Naples 1705)
Venus Chides Cupid c.1695-97
![Venus Chides Cupid Venus Chides Cupid](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/a/4/235448-1323776660.jpg?itok=RsLlGlot)
Luca Giordano (Naples 1634-Naples 1705)
Venus Chides Cupid c.1695-97
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/f/0/256411-1330622763.jpg?itok=W1R9q1ZK)
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/a/4/235448-1323776660.jpg?itok=RsLlGlot)
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This painting is the eleventh in a set of twelve in the Royal Collection depicting part of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The subject of this series comes from The Metamorphoses or Golden Ass by the second-century AD writer Apuleius: it is one of the stories that intersperse the main narrative of Lucius on his travels (Book IV, para. 28 - Book VI, para. 24). The tale of the many travails endured by ill-matched lovers (one mortal and one divine) before their final happy marriage, it was interpreted in the Renaissance as a Neoplatonic allegory of the progress of the soul (Psyche means 'soul' in Greek) towards salvation through Divine Love. The outcome of their union is Pleasure.
At this stage in the story Cupid takes refuge in Venus's room, where she chides him for disobeying her and marrying Psyche. She rushes out to meet Juno and Ceres and asks for their help in finding Psyche. They try in vain to soothe Venus's rage and defend Cupid, reminding Venus that he is now a young man. This painting shows Cupid lying on a bed, holding his wounded left arm, which is touched with bright red. Venus castigates him, her doves behind her, her dolphins in the distance. Behind Cupid is possibly an allegory of Sobriety, who is mentioned in Apuleius's text, although the figure has no distinguishing attributes and may be just an attendant, as in previous scenes. Venus appears again at upper right, conversing with Juno (with peacock) and Ceres (crowned with ears of corn).
Catalogue entry adapted from The Art of Italy in the Royal Collection: Renaissance and Baroque, London, 2007Provenance
Probably commissioned by Carlos II of Spain or his mother; acquired by George III and recorded as a set of 12 in the Bedchamber at Buckingham House in 1790
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Medium and techniques
Oil on copper
Measurements
57.2 x 70.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Cupid awakened, previously entitled