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The Chamber of Cupid and Psyche is the most sumptuous room in Palazzo Te, notable for the richness and quality of its decorations. Created by Giulio Romano in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of Italian Mannerism. The room derives its name from the fable of Cupid and Psyche, as narrated in Apuleius’ “Metamorphosis”. The tale appears in a non-linear manner across the vault and lunettes, culminating in the central panel in the ceiling, where Jupiter unites Psyche and Cupid in matrimony.

The last conservative restoration work on the ceiling of the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche took place in the early 1990s. Currently, the painted surfaces, decorated wooden surfaces and stuccoes exhibit signs of natural degradation due to the use of the room and the passage of time. Accordingly, the Fondazione has embarked on an important and complex artistic conservation project aimed at safeguarding and restoring the original beauty of the pictorial decorations.

The restoration work will primarily focus on the intricate structure of the wooden ceiling, the paint film, and the gilding. Restoring the ceiling will not only revitalise one of Giulio Romano’s most significant works but will also serve as an essential opportunity for study and research within the field.
This endeavour will deepen the understanding of Renaissance painting techniques and foster new methodologies for the conservation of the cultural heritage.

As a result of this work, visitors to Palazzo Te will continue to marvel at the stunning decorations that tell the love story between Cupid and Psyche as envisioned by the creative genius of Giulio Romano.

Cupid and Psyche

Psyche, a young woman of extraordinary beauty, provokes the envy of Venus, goddess of love, who sends her son Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with a monster. However, Cupid himself falls in love with Psyche. The girl, unaware of the identity of her mysterious lover, lives happily with him, but must not look at him.

Psyche violates the prohibition

Compelled by her sisters’ curiosity and jealousy, Psyche disregards the prohibition and lights a lamp to glimpse Cupid's face as he sleeps. A drop of oil awakens him, and feeling betrayed, he flees, leaving her alone. Venus then subjects Psyche to a series of challenges in order for her to reunite with her beloved.

An eternal love

The final challenge requires Psyche to journey to the Underworld to acquire some of Proserpine's beauty. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Psyche accomplishes this task. Cupid, now reconciled with Psyche, appeals to Jupiter, who grants her immortality. The two are wed on Olympus, finally enjoying eternal love.

An analysis of the conservation status of surfaces

On July 19 and 22, 2024, a mobile scaffold was employed to assess the conservation status of the oil paintings on plaster as well as the painted and gilded stucco decorations on the intrados of the vault in the Room of Cupid and Psyche.

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