Cupido en Psyche 1659 - 1731

Pieter van Gunst created the engraving "Cupido en Psyche" sometime between 1659 and 1724. The work is dominated by its monochromatic palette and the stark contrast between light and shadow, a technique that creates dramatic depth. The composition is structured around the reclining figure of Psyche and the winged Cupid, forming a complex interplay of horizontal and diagonal lines that guide the eye. Van Gunst uses the formal structure of the image to explore themes of love and the soul. The figures are strategically placed to emphasize their relationship to one another. The heavy drapery and cherubic figures add layers of complexity, evoking a sense of theatricality. The detailed engraving technique allows for a rich textural experience, from the softness of the figures' skin to the ornateness of the surrounding objects. Through a carefully constructed composition and detailed execution, Van Gunst invites us to consider the relationship between the earthly and divine, and the nature of beauty.