Cupid and Psyche - Cupid Finding Psyche Asleep - Cupid discovering Psyche

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"Eros and Psyche" is a mesmerizing depiction of the mythological love story between the god of love, Eros, and the mortal woman, Psyche. Painted in 1882, the large-scale canvas (oil on canvas, 170 x 200 cm) captures an intimate moment between the two central figures, showcasing Burne-Jones' signature style of graceful, elongated forms and dreamy, allegorical compositions.  In the painting, Eros is shown tenderly lifting Psyche's veil, revealing her face to his gaze. Eros, with his youthful, androgynous features and delicate, alabaster-like skin, emanates a serene, ethereal quality. Psyche, in turn, is rendered with similar refinement and idealization, her features striking a balance between human beauty and divine transcendence.  The figures are positioned against a rich, jewel-toned background, with swirling curtains and draped fabrics adding to the sense of luxurious intimacy. Burne-Jones heightens the emotional intensity through his masterful use of color and light, creating a chiaroscuro effect that casts Eros and Psyche in a warm, glowing aura.  The composition is structured with a pyramidal arrangement, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the central embrace. Burne-Jones' characteristic linear style is evident in the sinuous, interlocking lines that define the figures' poses, imbuing the scene with a sense of fluid, harmonious movement.  Symbolically, the painting reflects Burne-Jones' interest in classical mythology and his desire to imbue his work with deeper philosophical and emotional resonance. The story of Eros and Psyche, with its themes of love, desire, and the human struggle for enlightenment, serves as a rich allegorical foundation for this captivating visual interpretation.  Through his masterful execution and poetic sensibility, Burne-Jones elevates this mythological subject matter to a realm of timeless, haunting beauty, inviting the viewer to contemplate the mysteries of the human heart and its yearning for transcendence.

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This captivating oil painting by the renowned British artist Edward Burne-Jones depicts the legendary couple from Greek mythology - Eros, the god of love, and Psyche, the mortal woman he falls in love with.

Finished in 1887, the work showcases Burne-Jones' signature style, blending elements of the Pre-Raphaelite movement with a dreamlike, allegorical quality. The scene captures an intimate moment between the two figures, as Eros gently lifts the veil covering Psyche's face, their eyes locked in a tender embrace.

Rendered in Burne-Jones' characteristic muted tones and elongated, graceful forms, the painting exudes a sense of melancholy romanticism. The composition draws the viewer into the private, poignant encounter between the immortal god and his mortal love, inviting contemplation on the complex emotions of desire, sacrifice, and the human condition.

"Eros and Psyche" is considered one of Burne-Jones' most iconic and poetic works, highlighting his mastery at translating classical mythology into visually captivating, emotionally resonant paintings. The piece stands as a testament to the enduring allure of this famous love story from antiquity.

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  • type
    Image
  • created on
  • file format
    jpeg
  • file size
    61 KB
  • creator
    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones
  • rights
    Manchester Art Gallery (City of Manchester Art Gallery)
  • rights holder
    Manchester Art Gallery (City of Manchester Art Gallery)
  • rights territory
    Manchester, UK