Psyche in the Temple of Love

Edward John Poynter, 1882

WAG 673

Part of

Victorian Treasures

66 outstanding Victorian paintings and watercolours from the art collections of National Museums Liverpool.

Exhibition

Currently on display in Room 08, Walker Art Gallery

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About this object

In Roman mythology, Psyche’s beauty attracted much attention. Venus, the goddess of love, became jealous and tried to get revenge. She convinced Cupid to seduce the young beauty and cause her great sadness. Instead, Cupid fell in love with Psyche and took her to a beautiful palace where he visited her every night, but never during the day, to avoid angering Venus.

In this painting, Psyche is amusing herself by playing with a butterfly, her usual emblem. Both she and the butterfly symbolised the human soul. Psyche entices the butterfly into the palace with a sprig of honeysuckle. The doves of Venus can be seen flying ominously in the background.

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Object specifics

Artist(s)

Edward John Poynter (British: English, born:1836-03-20, died:1919-07-26)
Date

1882
Materials

Canvas; Oil paint
Measurements

canvas/support: 66.3 x 50.7
Physical description

Portrait of a young lady standing near a window playing with a butterfly. She wears a peach coloured gown and head-dress.
Related people

Edward John Poynter (Artist/maker)
Other number(s)

WAG Inventory Number: 673
Credit line

Presented to the Walker Art Gallery by the Arts Section of the Social Science Congress, Liverpool in 1882
Location

Walker Art Gallery, Room 08
Collection

From the Walker Art Gallery collections

Inscriptions

Item inscriptions

Inscription text: 18 E J P 82 (initials (monogram), bottom left)
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Object view = Fine Art
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