About this artwork
A delicate lilting sensibility suffuses this tapestry inspired by ancient Roman mythology. Beautiful young attendants of the gods and goddesses, known as nymphs, play music to celebrate the arrival of Princess Psyche at Cupid’s palace. Cupid, the god of love, hid Psyche from the envious gaze of his mother, Venus, the goddess of beauty and fruitfulness. The graceful forms of the nymphs’ bodies complement the soaring architecture of the palace interior. The flower garland wrapped around the column, as well as the lush folding of the figures’ garment and the rug, further enhance the sensorially rich world the tapestry depicts. Unsurprisingly, contemporary operatic interpretations of the story of Cupid and Psyche influenced François Boucher’s design.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Artist
- François Boucher
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Title
- Psyche's Entrance into Cupid's Palace from the Story of Psyche
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Place
- Beauvais (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1756–1763
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Medium
- Wool and silk; tapestry weave
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Dimensions
- 170.2 × 357 cm (67 × 140 3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard Ely Danielson
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Reference Number
- 1943.1237
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/49225/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.