French Neoclassical School Artist, Psyche and Amor, 1830, Large Oil on Canvas

Details

Description

Very large oil on canvas by the 19th century French neo-classical school, Psyche and Love. At their feet, the lit … Read more Very large oil on canvas by the 19th century French neo-classical school, Psyche and Love. At their feet, the lit torch, attribute of Love, and hanging from the young god's neck, the quiver whose arrows ignite desire. Inspired by the story of The Golden Donkey or Metamorphoses by the Latin poet Apuleius (C. 125 - 170), the painter depicts the moment when Love (Eros) "that winged rascal who respects neither morals nor police" seizes Psyche, her eyes closed, who is sabandoning to the son of Venus. Zephyr's breath, which "only ripples the two sides of her dress", is about to carry Psyche to the enchanted palace, set on "a bed of fresh greenery" visible at the far left. Amour's face, with its youthful features and curly hair, seems reminiscent of that given to his hero by Jacques - Louis David in his Amour et Psyché (1817) in the Cleveland Museum. Canvas size: 180 x 140 cm, in a modern wood and gilded stucco frame decorated with a laurel-leaf frieze. See less