Psyche showing her Sisters her Gifts from Cupid
Historical Context
Fragonard's Psyche Showing her Sisters her Gifts from Cupid from 1753, in the National Gallery London, is an early mythological work illustrating the tale of Cupid and Psyche from Apuleius's Golden Ass. Painted during Fragonard's formative years in Italy, the painting shows the young artist mastering classical mythological composition under the influence of his predecessors at the French Academy in Rome. The subject of divine gifts arousing mortal envy carries a moralizing dimension beneath its decorative appeal.
Technical Analysis
Fragonard's early technique shows accomplished handling of the mythological subject with warm coloring and competent figure arrangement. The composition demonstrates his developing skill in managing multiple figures within an elaborate architectural setting.
