Clay group of Eros and Psyche (Inv. No. ΜΘ 30148) of unknown provenance. Late 1st-2nd c. AD.

The popular couple is here depicted in frontal pose and in a gentle embrace with their bodies touching each other, although most relevant examples show them hugging and kissing. The triangular open wing identifies the figure on the left as Eros. He is standing, with his torso slightly bent forward and his right hand resting on an upside-down torch. The folds of his himation are visible behind the legs. Psyche stands right next to her loved one, seminude, in a relaxed pose. She hugs Eros with her right arm, her hand seen over his right shoulder, and with her left hand she holds the edge of her himation. The group stands on a possibly rectangular base, the surviving part of which depicts a figure, probably female, reclining in frontal pose, with the left arm supporting the chin.

Eros and Psyche is one of the most popular pairs in the coroplastic ancient art. The two figures, when found in burials, are thought to refer to bliss in the afterlife and are considered chthonic, while at the same time they are re-telling their famous love story.

This clay group points to the particularly popular ‒internationally and throughout the ages‒ Greek ancient myth of Eros and Psyche, one of the most popular subjects in art from antiquity to the present day.

The story of Eros and Psyche was first recorded by Apuleius in the second half of 2nd c. AD (Metamorphoses, 4, 28-6, 24). According to the myth, Psyche was a beautiful princess, whom Eros is called to punish, as her beauty overshadowed Aphrodite's. Eros succumbs to Psyche's beauty and falls in love. However, the two lovers manage to join each other after a series of adventures and trials. The fruit of their love and affection was Hedone, the personification and goddess of pleasure, enjoyment, and delight.