Mercury Brings Psyche up to Olympus
2022 © Maxim Tabachnik
Bacchus and AriadneTriumph of Galatea (detail)The Wedding Banquet of Cupid and PsycheThe Triumph of GalateaCupid and the Three GracesMercury Brings Psyche up to OlympusPerseus and MedusaCupid Pleads with Jupiter for PsycheHercules and the HydraFame and Medusa's VictimsVenus and the DovesHead of a Youth

Mercury Brings Psyche up to OlympusRaphael

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In this fresco (1517–18), Raphael depicts Mercury escorting Psyche to Olympus, symbolizing her apotheosis. Mercury’s winged hat and caduceus highlight his role as divine messenger, while Psyche embodies the soul’s ascent to immortality. The scene reflects Renaissance fascination with classical myths as allegories of spiritual transformation.