Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 138, The Harry and Carol Djanogly Gallery

The Marriage of Cupid and Psyche

Medallion
ca. 1775 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Oval cameo of blue Jasper ware with applied white bas-relief. The detailed classical scene of a procession of five winged figures depicts the marriage of Cupid and Psyche. The couple are shown veiled led by a chain by Hymen in a bridal procession, whilst a basket of fruit is held above their head. Cupid holds a turtle dove and Hymen holds a torch. Psyche is shown as a young girl and her wings are those of a butterfly. The white relief has a glossy finish and dirty cracks.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Marriage of Cupid and Psyche
Materials and techniques
Blue Jasper ware with applied white relief.
Brief description
Oval medallion of blue Jasper ware with applied white relief decoration, Wedgwood Factory, Staffordshire, ca. 1775.
Physical description
Oval cameo of blue Jasper ware with applied white bas-relief. The detailed classical scene of a procession of five winged figures depicts the marriage of Cupid and Psyche. The couple are shown veiled led by a chain by Hymen in a bridal procession, whilst a basket of fruit is held above their head. Cupid holds a turtle dove and Hymen holds a torch. Psyche is shown as a young girl and her wings are those of a butterfly. The white relief has a glossy finish and dirty cracks.
Dimensions
  • Height: 6cm
  • Width: 7.6cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Impressed on reverse 'Wedgwood & Bentley'
Credit line
J. A. Tulk Bequest
Object history
Historical significance: This design is loosely based on a 1st Century sardonyx cameo by Tryphon known as the Marlborough gem.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
C.118-1956

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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