Psyche with Pandora’s Box

The sculpture "Psyche with Pandora's Box" is by Adriaen de Vries, a Dutch Mannerist sculptor active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was known for his bronze sculptures, often created for royal courts, and studied under the renowned Italian sculptor Giambologna.1

The sculpture depicts Psyche, a figure from classical mythology, with Pandora's Box. In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman, created by Hephaestus at Zeus's command. Hesiod's Theogony describes her as having a jar containing all manner of evils, which she opened, releasing them upon humanity. Only hope remained inside. The vessel later became known as a box, possibly due to mistranslation. De Vries's work is characterized by its shimmering finish, intricate detail, and graceful movement.21