Cupid and Psyche

mythological

The second generation of the Neoclassical style cultivated an aestheticism of beautiful physique that seemed to be trying to discover the limits of what was feasible. The new intention was already evident in Gérard's Cupid and Psyche, which was shown in the Salon of 1798. The intention was to take physical beauty, line, composition, colour and delicacy of the handling of flesh to perfection.

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About the Artist

François Gérard

1770 – 1837

French painter, born in Rome, a favourite pupil of Jacques-Louis David. In the Salon of 1796 he won acclaim with his portrait of Jean-Baptiste Isabey and his Daughter (Louvre, Paris) and became the most sought after court and society portraitist of his day. He successfully negotiated the various political changes of the day and was made a Baron and a member of the Legion of Honour. In addition to portraits Gérard painted historical and mythological works. His style derived from David, but was much less taut and heroic, tending at times towards a rather mannered gracefulness.

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