Very large painting by Psyche and the love of the French school neo-classic

Very large oil on canvas from the 19th century French Neoclassical school, Psyche and Cupid. At their feet, the lit torch, an attribute of Cupid, and hanging from the young god's neck, the quiver whose arrows ignite desire.

Inspired by the tale of the Golden Ass or Metamorphoses by the Latin poet Apuleius (c. 125–170), the painter depicted the moment when Cupid (Eros), “that winged rascal who respects neither morality nor law,” seizes Psyche, her eyes closed, as she surrenders to the son of Venus. Zephyr's breath, which only makes “the two folds of her robe ripple,” is about to carry Psyche away to the enchanted palace, set upon “a bed of fresh greenery” visible in the background on the left. Cupid's face, with its youthful features and curly hair, seems to recall the one Jacques-Louis David gave his hero in his Cupid and Psyche (1817) in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Canvas dimensions: 180 x 140 cm, in a modern frame in wood and gilded stucco decorated with a frieze of laurel leaves.

Condition report: in good condition.