Amor en Psyche 1581 - 1612

This engraving by Theodoor Galle captures a pivotal moment from the myth of Cupid and Psyche. Psyche, holding a lamp, gazes upon the sleeping Cupid. The lamp is more than just a source of light; it's a symbol of forbidden knowledge and a dangerous curiosity. This scene echoes across time, reminiscent of Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden. Like Eve, Psyche is driven by a desire to unveil the unknown, disrupting a divine order. The consequences of this act—a loss of innocence and paradise—are deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. The lamp, acting as a metaphor, has resurfaced through history, representing the double-edged sword of enlightenment; it can illuminate but also scorch. Such images tap into our deepest fears and desires, becoming potent symbols that recur and evolve, reflecting the eternal human struggle between ignorance and knowledge.