by-nc

Cupid and Psyche

Maker

(Artists)
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)

Accession 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

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

On display

Keywords











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

Information on this object may be incomplete and will be updated as research progresses. We are particularly committed to addressing any discriminatory or offensive language and ideas that might be present in our records. To help improve this record, and to enquire about images of The Courtauld Gallery Collection, please email gallery.collectionsonline@courtauld.ac.ukFind out more about using and licensing our images.

____________________________

Buy a print from our collection