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

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. Cupid fell in love Psyche, visiting her under the darkness of night to avoid Venus’s wrath.

Poynter shows Psyche amusing herself during the daytime. She plays with her usual emblem, the butterfly. This symbolises the human soul. The doves of Venus fly 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

Oil; Canvas
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)
Inscription method:
Inscription note:
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Object view = Fine Art
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