Cupid and Psyche
Copyright
Work in the public domain
Image: Courtauld
Image: Courtauld
Maker
1723-1792
Title
Cupid and Psyche
Date of Production
c. 1789
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
Height: 139.8 cm (canvas)
Width: 168.3 cm (canvas)
Width: 168.3 cm (canvas)
Object Number
P.2004.XX.1
Mode of Acquisition
HM Government (Acceptance in Lieu), allocation, 2004
Credit
Accepted by HM Government in Lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Samuel Courtauld Trust, 2004
Label Text
The artist Joshua Reynolds, first president of the Royal Academy, presented this striking painting at the Academy’s annual exhibition in 1789. It depicts the moment when the beautiful mortal Psyche discovers the identity of the god Cupid, the secret lover who had been visiting her at night. Reynolds used the setting of this mythological story to explore light and shadow in painting.
Provenance
Major J.S. Courtauld; Miss Jeanne Courtauld (by descent); accepted by HM Government in Lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Samuel Courtauld Trust, 2004.
Exhibition History
The Courtauld Collects - 20 Years of Acquisitions, Somerset House & London & England, 17/06/2010-19/09/2010
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