Spring 2020
Eros, Psyche & the wedding cake Written by Fatima Alara Adanir According to Plato, Eros helps understand the truth. The original Greek helps to understand the term “Eros,” which has different meanings. The term "Platonic Love" derives from Plato, and according to the philosopher, Eros helps "remember" beauty in its purest form. I’ve found that this interpretation of Eros can be seen in not only the classical sculpture representations of the myth Eros and Psyche but also through the professional creation of wedding cakes. How so, you may ask. Let’s take a look... Let’s start from the myth of Cupid and Psyche, from the Metamorphosis by Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis (2nd century AD) and retold in many forms throughout the centuries. Theirs is a relationship full of obstacles, and after a moment of mistrust Psyche has to endure a series of difficulties and challenges to be reunited with Cupid. In this article we will focus on the marble sculpture version carved by Antonio Canova in the 16th century. Cupid and Psyche can be seen today at Louvre Museum, on the verge of a kiss. Wedding cakes, on the other hand, are found in pastry shops and of course, at weddings where they really shine. Although not a part of the visual arts, wedding cakes have become an iconic symbol of the celebration of culture. Wedding cakes are often described in sculpturesque terms, and both cakes and sculptures share strong connections to symbolism and visual iconography. The main techniques used in making sculptures are
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