Sebastiano Ricci, Cupid before Jupiter (central section)

Cupid before Jupiter (central section), 1713-15

Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)

RA Collection: Art

Jupiter sits enthroned on Mount Olympus while other gods assemble around him in the clouds. Paris looks down to us holding a golden apple and Neptune is seated with his trident. Dressed in a red cloak, Cupid entreats the King of the Gods to allow him to marry his mortal lover Psyche.

After arriving in England around 1711/12, Ricci was quickly employed by Lady Juliana, Dowager Countess of Burlington. Cupid before Jupiter is one of four paintings by the Italian artist at Burlington House that celebrate the triumph of love.

Object details

Title

Cupid before Jupiter (central section)

Artist/designer

Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)

Date

1713-15

Object type

Painting

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

2686 mm x 3448 mm

Collection

Royal Academy of Arts

Object number

03/201

Acquisition

Transferred from H.M. Office of Works in 1867

Keywords

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