Amor en Psyche 1600 - 1700

This 17th-century work by Monogrammist VG, titled Amor en Psyche, presents a densely worked scene through the medium of engraving. The composition is dominated by the figures of Cupid, reclining, and Psyche, closely cropped to the right of the frame. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to define form and shadow, creating a complex interplay of light and dark that models the figures and drapes. The lines vary in thickness and direction, adding to the dynamic visual texture. The narrative tension is palpable, enhanced by the visual contrast between the active, inquisitive gaze of Psyche and the passive, vulnerable pose of Cupid. This contrast invites us to consider the themes of curiosity and revelation within the classical myth. How do you interpret the balance between revelation and vulnerability in this intimate scene?