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This is an early work by Fragonard, which was presented to Louis XV at Versailles in 1753. It illustrates an episode from the classical story of Cupid and Psyche, retold in a book by Jean de La Fontaine. Having fallen in love with Psyche, Cupid only visited her at night, forbidding her to look at him. Here we see Psyche, dressed in white and waited upon by nymphs, welcoming her two sisters into Cupid’s palace where she shows them the gifts she has received. Provoked by envy – represented by an allegorical figure above them clutching snakes – the two sisters persuade Psyche to reveal Cupid’s identity and thereby destroy her happiness. It has been suggested that the figure of Psyche here may have been inspired by the King’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour.
Title
Psyche showing her Sisters her Gifts from Cupid
Date
1753
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 168.3 x W 192.4 cm
Accession number
NG6445
Acquisition method
Bought, 1978
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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