Tapestry: Psyche at Cupid's Palace

Nicolas Besnier; Jean-Baptiste Oudry

1741–1743

Silk and wool

J. Paul Getty Museum

A large tapestry depicts a scene with numerous figures, including cherubs, in an opulent architectural setting with draped curtains and ornate columns. The figures are engaged in various activities, some reclining and others interacting in a central, illuminated area. Love-struck Cupid has had beautiful Psyche brought to his opulent palace. Amid billowing clouds, Psyche enters the sun-drenched residence, although Cupid himself is not there. She is escorted by Zephyr, the butterfly-winged god of the west wind. Psyche walks on a Near Eastern carpet that has been unrolled to receive her. Clusters of languid attendants play music, arrange flowers, or simply admire Psyche's dramatic entrance. Badin, Jules. La manufacture de tapisseries de Beauvais depuis ses origines jusqu'à nos jours (Paris: Société de propagation des livres d'art, 1909), p. 60.