Cupid and Psyche

Cupid and Psyche by Jacques-Louis David, created in 1813, is a superb example of the artist’s refined late draftsmanship. Classified as a drawing, the work employs a technically complex methodology, utilizing gray wash and pen and black ink dramatically heightened with white paint. David’s strategic use of wash and traces of black chalk builds volume and light, defining the idealized Neoclassical forms of the two mythological figures and giving the piece a strong sculptural presence despite its medium. The figures are captured in an intimate moment, reflecting the era’s widespread fascination with classical mythology, particularly the story of the mortal princess Psyche and the god of desire, Cupid.

This piece was executed during a transitional phase in David’s career, shortly before his exile, focusing on smaller-scale mythological subjects rather than the grand political history paintings that had defined his revolutionary period in France. Though often associated with monumental canvases, David frequently produced highly finished independent drawings like this one. The precision required by the medium-specific mixture of ink, chalk, and opaque white demonstrates David's unwavering academic rigor even late in his career. The study of light and form evident in Cupid and Psyche makes it a crucial reference point for tracing the master's evolving aesthetic in the early 19th century. This important drawing, dated 1813, is housed within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.