The artwork, titled “Cupid and Psyche,” was created by the esteemed artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1889. An exquisite example of Academicism, this oil on canvas painting belongs to the genre of mythological paintings. It measures 71 x 119.5 cm and is currently housed in a private collection.
In “Cupid and Psyche,” Bouguereau depicts two young, cherubic figures—Cupid and Psyche—encased in a tender embrace upon a soft, cloud-like formation. Cupid, adorned with delicate wings, gently kisses Psyche, who possesses butterfly-like wings, alluding to her transformation and ascension to the divine. A rich, draped fabric in a royal blue hue underlines their ethereal presence amidst a serene, cloudy backdrop. The artist’s precise brushstrokes and masterful use of light bring forth the softness and innocence of the figures’ skin, rendering a timeless portrayal of this mythological romance.
