Jacques-Louis David (French 30 August 1748 – 29 December 1825)
In the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art

The humorous eroticism of this picture marks a significant departure from the austere earlier work of Jacques-Louis David. An ardent champion of the French Revolution (1789-99) and Napoleon I (1769-1821), David painted Cupid and Psyche while in political exile in Brussels following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo. While in Belgium, the painter reverted to favoring sensuality over the heroism of his earlier official art. Here, David depicted Cupid trying to slip away from his lover's bed. Smitten with Psyche, Cupid had whisked the mortal to his palace, visiting her only in the darkness of night, warning her that she must never see his face. Thus, he always stole from their bed before sunrise. In this painting, however, his wing is trapped beneath her body and his knowing, almost comical gaze communicates his plight.

Cupid and Psyche in the natural bower
1792-1793

Hugh Douglas Hamilton (c. 1734/1739 – February 10, 1808)