This valuable sculpture group, created in the Imperial age according to a Hellenistic model, is probably related to a Rhodian statue from the II century A.D and depicted a Cupid on the lap of the goddess Psyche seated on a rock; Cupid is gently touching her breast. The quiver and arrows of the little Cupid are placed on the ground, on the surface of the plinth.
The sculpture – found in the waters of the port of Baia, among the remains of the sunken palace complex – is in a good preservation state, even though both heads and other important elements are missing.
The artefact presents a very good preservation state, with some portions of the base and drapery characterized by an evident biological degradation caused by endolithic sponges.
Maniscalco, F. 1997, Ninfei ed edifici marittimi severiani del Palatium imperiale di Baia. Napoli: Massa Editore, pp. 58-59.
Napoli, M. 1950, ‘Il gruppo di Eros e Psyche da Baia’, Rendiconti dell’Accademia di Archeologia di Napoli, 25, pp. 1–14.
Zevi F. (cur.) 2009, Museo archeologico dei Campi Flegrei. Castello di Baia. Napoli: Electa Napoli.