The Wedding of Cupid and Psyche 1587

Editor: This is "The Wedding of Cupid and Psyche," an engraving by Hendrick Goltzius from 1587, currently housed at the SMK in Copenhagen. It's quite overwhelming; the composition is packed with figures, all rendered in incredible detail. What do you see in this piece, beyond the initial visual complexity? Curator: Intriguing, isn't it? I observe an overt display of Mannerist principles. The elongated figures, the complex, interwoven composition, the sheer virtuosity of line—all speak to an aesthetic concerned with artifice and elegance above naturalism. Notice how the bodies are not merely represented but *performed*. Editor: Performed? In what sense? Curator: Consider the central figure's contrapposto, the theatrical gestures, and the idealized musculature. These aren’t figures captured in a candid moment; they’re posed, presented for our aesthetic consumption. It draws attention to the artist’s skill and knowledge. Editor: So it's about showcasing technique over expressing deeper meaning? Curator: Not necessarily over meaning, but the meaning is embedded in the artifice. The wedding itself becomes secondary to the display of artistic mastery. And consider the medium—engraving allows for precisely these intricate lines, these dramatic shifts in light and shadow. Is the story important, or the artistic display? Does the choice to present a wedding scene have formal relevance, beyond the iconographic importance of nuptials in Mannerist works? Editor: That’s a fascinating way to look at it. I was so caught up in trying to decipher the narrative I overlooked how the artist is flaunting their skill. Thanks for bringing that perspective to my attention. Curator: Indeed, art invites us to discover something each time we reflect on the piece. I enjoyed dissecting the artifice of presentation inherent within its visual language today with you.