Winged Psyche 1876

This marble statue of Winged Psyche was carved by Johannes Hoffman. Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul, is often depicted with butterfly wings, symbols of transformation and immortality. Here, she stands draped in fabric, head bowed in contemplation. The rose-like knot in her drapery is interesting. Roses are deeply symbolic flowers, commonly associated with love, beauty, and secrecy. We see the rose throughout art history, from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings, each time carrying layered meanings. Think of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," where roses fall from the sky, marking Venus's birth. These recurring motifs aren’t mere decoration. They tap into our collective memory, resonating on a subconscious level. The slight melancholy suggested here evokes a sense of longing, inviting us to reflect on the soul's journey through darkness towards enlightenment. Like the butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, Psyche embodies the human potential for renewal. This statue reminds us that symbols carry an emotional and cultural weight, evolving and resurfacing throughout time.