Venus Presenting Psyche to CupidRaphael

In this fresco (1518), Raphael depicts Venus presenting Psyche to Cupid, who holds his arrow. The scene symbolizes the soul’s (Psyche’s) ascent to divine love. Part of Chigi’s loggia cycle, the work blends mythology with Renaissance ideals, framed by Giovanni da Udine’s lavish botanical festoons evoking an open pergola.