Psyche Abandoned

work by Pajou

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Psyche Abandoned is a 1791 work by French sculptor Augustin Pajou. The piece exemplifies Pajou's "graciously seductive style," though in this instance, he tempered his usual decorative approach in favor of classical purity.1

The subject of the work, Psyche, is a figure from classical mythology. According to the tale, Psyche was a princess of exceptional beauty who incurred the jealousy of Venus, the goddess of love. Venus commanded her son, Cupid, to make Psyche fall in love with a vile man. Instead, Cupid fell in love with Psyche himself, visiting her in secret. Psyche's curiosity led her to light a lamp, revealing Cupid. When a drop of oil awakened him, he fled, and Psyche embarked on a journey to find him, facing difficult tasks imposed by Venus. The story is often interpreted as an allegory of the soul's journey guided by love.2

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Augustin Pajou
Pajou’s Psyche Abandoned (1791) offers an example of his graciously seductive style. It is one of the few creations in which he restrained his usual decorative style in favour of classical purity.
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Pajou’s Psyche Abandoned (1791) offers an example of his graciously seductive style. It is one of the few creations in which he restrained his usual decorative style in favour of classical purity.
Read More