books0977:Psyché (1881). Alexandre Cabanel (French, 1823-1889). Oil on canvas.In Psyché, Cabanel has
books0977:Psyché (1881). Alexandre Cabanel (French, 1823-1889). Oil on canvas.In Psyché, Cabanel has isolated a mythological figure in an evocative landscape. The tale of Cupid and Psyche greatly appealed to audiences for its obvious themes of love, beauty, jealousy and perseverance; with the ultimate conclusion that love conquers all. Psyche is shown here with an elaborate pair of butterfly wings, as her name in Greek literally means “soul” or “butterfly,” and she has come to represent transformation and the human spirit’s ability to emerge from darkness. She carries a small box, or pyxis, which she has taken to the Underworld in order to collect the beauty of Proserpina. -- source link