The artwork, entitled “Psyche and Amour,” was created by the artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in the year 1889. This oil on canvas painting measures 116 by 200 cm and belongs to the Academicism art movement. It is a mythological painting that exquisitely illustrates a scene from classical mythology.
In this masterful depiction, Bouguereau captures a tender and intimate moment between Psyche and Amour (Cupid), two prominent figures in Greco-Roman mythology. Amour, with his ethereal presence and sweeping wings, is seen delicately embracing Psyche as they ascend, enveloped in a transcendent light that signifies their divine nature. Psyche, portrayed with grace and vulnerability, appears to surrender herself to the heavens, her flowing drapery creating a sense of movement and ethereal beauty. The juxtaposition of their positions—Amour lifting Psyche—symbolizes the uplifting power of love. Bouguereau’s meticulous attention to anatomical precision, the softness of the skin, and the delicate blending of colors showcase his extraordinary skill and contribute to the painting’s timeless allure.
