One of the best known myths is the one starring the son of the Goddess of love, Cupid or Eros, personifying intense love and his love story with the beautiful Psyche which represents the human soul. The intense romance portrayed in this legend was and continues to be the inspiration for many artists who have captured the intense love and passages of history.
Here are my 10 favorite artworks from this beautiful story:
Cupid and Psyche, William-AdolpheBouguereau
This French artist was one of the main representatives of academicism, he painted more than 800 paintings, several of them from the legend of Cupid, many are quite recognized and I have seen quite a few copies in some places. This representation of Bouguereau represents the kidnapping of psyche, when she is taken by Eros and they fly on the wind of the Zephyr.
2. Cupid and Psyche, François-Édouard Picot
The painting from 1817 is one of the best known and most appreciated, currently in the Louvre Museum. It shows the first rays of sun in the morning and a Cupid sneaking out of the room so as not to wake up his beloved.
3. Cupid and Psyche, Jacques Louis David.
I really like this painting because it captures the joy of love, the first night of lovers and the playful look of Cupid gives it a special touch since it transmits sensuality, romance and eroticism. It is on display in the Cleveland Museum of Art.
4. Psyche uncovers Cupid, Giuseppe Maria Crespi.
The Italian artist's painting portrays the moment when Psyche, influenced by her sisters, decides to observe her lover. We can notice the reaction of fear of Cupid and a Psyche hypnotized by his beauty, falling in love with him even more. It is a painting of the Baroque made in 1709, it's located at the Uffizzi Gallery.
5. L'amour et Psyche, Eugène Mèdard.
This painting represents the moment in which Cupid leaves Psyche, and she clings to her lover. We can see in the background the palace that Eros built for him and a faint sunrise. On Psyche's face we can see despair and regret, while a disappointed Cupid tries to free himself from her.
6. Psyche on the throne of Venus, Edward Matthew Hale.
One of my favorite representations in which we can notice the beauty and superiority of the goddess Venus sitting on her throne, with her long hair and a look of rejection at Psyche. We can see that sadness has devastated her and with her torn clothing kneels before the Goddess to beg her for her son's love.
7. Psyche opening the gold box, William Waterhouse.
A 1904 painting of romanticism, it relates the exact moment in which a curious Psyche decides to open the gold box, not knowing what would await her in the future. We can observe the smoke coming out-of-the-box seconds before she fell into a deadly sleep. It's one of the few representations of this important moment in the story.
8. Cupid and Psyche, Anthony Van Dyck.
This painting was one of the last pieces of the artist, it's unfinished at the Kensington Palace. It was ordered for the celebration of the wedding of Maria and William II in 1641. In this painting we can see the moment in which Cupid finds his beloved lying on the ground with the box open, and an alarmed Cupid stretches his hand to try to wake her up.
9. Psyche reanimated by the kiss of love, Antonio Canova.
The famous sculpture is in the Louvre Museum, made by the best neoclassical sculptor of the time in 1793. It's built in the shape of an x and in the center we can find both lovers meeting again after their separation, a kiss that cleans the death of Psyche's eyes. This sculpture represents the union of body and soul that links into passionate love.
10. Cupid and Psyche in the wedding gazebo.
In this painting we can see that Psyche is represented with butterfly wings, which represents the human soul. We can see her a bit shy and a seductive cupid trying to kiss his beloved gently taking her by the hand, bringing her closer to his body, celebrating their union. It is currently in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Undoubtedly the myth of Cupid and the beautiful Psyche has impacted throughout history, as the muse of beautiful paintings that try to exemplify a pure love that goes beyond appearances and the importance of trusting our partners. I would like to know which one is your favorite and whether it is included in the list.
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