Psyche og den sovende Amor 1643 - 1649

Albert Haelwegh created this engraving, "Psyche og den sovende Amor," sometime in the 17th century. The artwork invites us into a world shaped by classical mythology, but also by the social expectations of the time. The story of Cupid and Psyche has always been one of forbidden knowledge and the quest for understanding. Here, Psyche, illuminated and standing, holds a lamp over the sleeping Cupid, defying the gods' command. Note the figure in the background, lurking. The emotional tension is palpable—Psyche's face is unreadable, while the sleeping Cupid is vulnerable. Representations of women were often caught between ideals of purity and the dangers of curiosity. Consider how Haelwegh plays with these themes. Is Psyche a heroine or a transgressor? The print reflects societal concerns around knowledge, obedience, and the feminine role, all while tapping into the timeless human desire to uncover the hidden truths of love and identity.