Psyche bekijkt de slapende Cupido c. 1745 - 1765

"Psyche bekijkt de slapende Cupido" is a mezzotint print by James McArdell, created between 1745 and 1765. The artwork depicts the Greek mythological story of Cupid and Psyche. Psyche, a mortal woman, is shown gazing at the sleeping Cupid, holding a lamp in her hand. This scene highlights Psyche's curiosity and her desire to uncover the true identity of her lover. The work, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases McArdell's mastery of mezzotint, a technique that creates rich tonal variations and subtle textures. The print is a testament to McArdell's skill in conveying emotion and narrative through the medium of engraving.