Mantua, Te Palace:
"The Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche"

"The Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche in a Gathering of Gods." In Giulio Romano's fresco, Vulcan, Zephyr, Apollo, Bacchus, Silenus, Ceres, and Juno can be recognized. Inspired by the tale of Cupid and Psyche, contained in Apuleius's “Metamorphoses", Giulio Romano frescoed all the walls of this magnificent hall, aptly called the Hall of Psyche, in Palazzo Te in Mantua between 1526 and 1528. The paintings were commissioned by Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, to celebrate his clandestine love affair with Isabella Boschetti in this country residence, dedicated to rest and pleasure. On the southern wall, photographed here, is the wedding banquet that concludes the turbulent love story between Psyche and Eros. It is a clear allegory of the patron's loves and, at the same time, an omen. Psyche, the Soul, and Eros, passionate Love, finally unite in a sumptuous marriage blessed by all the gods. The child born from their union, depicted here already in their nuptial bed, will be named Voluptas: the perfect pleasure born from the harmonious union of body and spirit.