The Story of Psyche: panel 5. In the Presence of the Gods Jupiter Bestows Immortality on Psyche and Celebrates Her Marriage to Eros 1908

Curator: Oh, this canvas feels like stepping into a dream! Editor: Indeed! What strikes me is the almost operatic composition. We are looking at panel five of "The Story of Psyche" painted in 1908 by Maurice Denis. The Hermitage Museum currently houses this beautiful piece, where Jupiter bestows immortality upon Psyche and celebrates her marriage to Eros. It's oil paint on canvas. Curator: "Operatic" is spot-on! The figures arranged around Jupiter remind me of a chorus line, a very elegant one, bathed in ethereal light. It feels…optimistic, celebratory! What do you see, from a symbolic perspective? Editor: Well, Eros and Psyche’s story is a perennial metaphor, isn’t it? Human soul unites with divine love to achieve immortality, the ultimate reunion with God. Denis depicts the story of Psyche with symbols that run deep – Cupid's wings, Jupiter's regal stature, Psyche's demure posture as she receives divine grace. This panel really reinforces how erotic love can also contain seeds of something more transcendental, it touches that longing in us to unite what's earthly to what's eternal. Curator: The garland framing the scene is interesting, though – such a strong contrast with the scene, somehow. Like, this intimate event is taking place on a divine proscenium. Editor: Exactly, that contrast works beautifully! Denis highlights the liminal space between the mortal and the immortal realms, doesn't he? The lush garland almost serves as a visual reminder that this idyllic scene, while celebratory, is separate and distinct. Perhaps it suggests that immortality and such harmony are gifts, blessings from the divine that need continuous upkeep. Curator: It is pretty optimistic, and frankly I welcome the unreserved sentimentality. Perhaps because, when you examine those old stories you can easily take a grim approach – it's love bought at a very high price. Editor: A reminder that while tales may be timeless, interpretations always change, don’t they? Maybe that's why Maurice Denis remains so interesting—a bridge connecting an archetypal yearning and modernity!