Cupid and Psyche Adolphe William Bouguereau (1825-1905)

Description of the painting "Cupid and Psyche" by William Bouguereau

The relationship between Cupid and Psyche is a favorite subject of Bouguereau’s paintings. The work is a fine example of academic painting. The attention to detail, the idealization of the human body, the exquisite palette and eroticism make the canvas a delight to the eye. There is no admonition or morality in it, it invites only to surrender to sensuality, like a young Psyche in the embrace of her lover.

The artist’s striving for perfection can be clearly seen in the impeccably adjusted proportions of the bodies. Eulogy of physical beauty is reflected in everything: in delicate translucent colors, exquisite gestures, flowing fabric. Slightly elongated and rounded forms, soft curves, no strict verticals and sharp angles prevail.

The celestial background behind the characters deserves special attention. It is an azure sky, radiating divine light, typical for Renaissance art subjects. It creates lightness and airiness, suggests lofty thoughts and accentuates the subjugation of the sweet bliss into which Cupid drags his royal daughter Psyche.

Her head is thrown back, her eyes are blissfully closed, she lightly clings to Cupid’s body and follows the beautiful young man in everything. There is no struggle, no regrets, no oppressive doubts. The winged Cupid looks at the girl in love and points upwards - to a place where there is no grief and sorrow, where all-encompassing love and goodness rule.

A spirituality, a certain sweetness, a celebration of youth and life in general soften the frankness of the picture, despite the almost completely naked bodies. It is suggestive not of depravity, but of what eternal beauty is. The work is meant to distract from everyday life and heavy thoughts, to caress and delight the eye. It immortalized the main aspiration of Bouguereau’s life - to create perfection and generously share the beautiful with the world.