Every time I'm in The Lourvre in Paris I find my way to this late 1700's sculpture by Italian Antonio CANOVA depicting Cupid and Psyche. According to the myth, Cupid, son of VENUS, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, was sent to harass mortal Psyche because Venus was jealous of Psyche's beauty. But, Cupid fell in love with Psyche which made the goddess even more angry so she cast a spell upon Psyche causing her to fall into a deep sleep. CANOVAS' sculpture depicts Cupid's kiss which had the power to awaken Psyche.

You'll notice both Cupid and Psyche are nude, but most people ignore that and focus on the beauty, light and form and marvel at the skill of the sculpture's creation from a single piece of marble.

Oh, and, if the awakening kiss stirs memories from your childhood, you'll be interested in knowing this piece of mythology became the impetus for the story of Sleeping Beauty.