Who painted Psyche or Venus Standing?

Psyche or Venus Standing was painted by Unknown in 1748.

Where can I see Psyche or Venus Standing?

Psyche or Venus Standing is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Psyche or Venus Standing

Psyche or Venus Standing is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1748 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1748 by the artist known as 2070_person, this oil painting depicts a solitary figure rendered in a dramatic play of light and shadow. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a mythological subject, identified as either Psyche or Venus in a standing pose.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is presented barefoot, one foot advanced, clutching a strip of fabric, with a pair of wings attached to the back. The partially exposed shoulder and draped garment suggest a blend of vulnerability and divine presence, inviting interpretation of the subject as a goddess of love or the mortal Psyche awaiting transformation.

Technique & Style

The composition relies on a stark chiaroscuro effect, where intense illumination isolates the figure against an unadorned backdrop, while deep shadows sculpt the contours of the body and wings. This deliberate contrast enhances the three‑dimensionality of the form and creates a theatrical atmosphere typical of mid‑18th‑century mythological painting.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 2070_person, the painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Its dating to the late 1740s places it within the artist’s mature period, though documentation of its early ownership is limited.

Context

The work reflects the Enlightenment era’s fascination with classical mythology, merging academic drawing with the emotional intensity of Baroque lighting. By portraying a mythic heroine in a solitary, almost contemplative stance, the painting aligns with contemporary trends that emphasized individual sentiment within traditional narratives.