Bust of Psyche 1825 - 1850

This cameo, carved from white onyx on a dark brown background, depicts Psyche, a figure from Greek mythology, in profile. Luigi Rosi, an Italian sculptor, created the artwork sometime between 1825 and 1850. Psyche is a representation of the soul, and she is often depicted with butterfly wings, symbolizing her transformation from a mortal to a goddess. The cameo is small in size, measuring only 1 5/16 x 7/8 inches, and it is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The cameo is a classic example of the neoclassical style, which was popular in the 19th century.