Description
The painting "The Story of Psyche: 1. Eros is Struck by Psyche's Beauty" by artist Maurice Denis is a stunning work that captures the beauty and emotion of the story of Psyche and Eros. The artistic style of the painting is impressionistic, which can be seen in the technique of loose brushstrokes and the mix of vibrant colors.
The composition of the painting is very interesting as it represents Eros, the god of love, being struck by the beauty of Psyche. The figure of Eros stands in the center of the painting, arms outstretched and head tilted back, while Psyche stands in the background, surrounded by flowers and a shocked expression on her face.
The color in the paint is another highlight. Warm, bright hues of reds and oranges blend with cool greens and blues of flowers and sky. The use of color helps create a sense of movement and emotion in the painting.
The story behind the painting is that of Psyche and Eros, a story of love and sacrifice that has been told throughout the centuries. The story begins with Psyche, a mortal, being chosen by Eros to be his wife. However, Eros does not want Psyche to see him, so he visits her only at night. Psyche, curious as to who her husband is, lights a lamp while he is sleeping, prompting his anger and his departure. Desperate to win back her beloved, Psyche embarks on a series of trials and challenges to prove her love and win his return.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that it is only one part of a series of panels that tell the full story of Psyche and Eros. The series was commissioned by French businessman Alexandre Natanson for his country house on the outskirts of Paris. The original painting was 394 x 270 cm in size, making it one of Denis's largest works.
In conclusion, "The Story of Psyche: 1. Eros is Struck by Psyche's Beauty" is an impressive painting that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color, and story. It is a work that captures the emotion and beauty of one of the most famous love stories of all time.