Artwork

Cupid and Psyche

Cupid and Psyche, by Wilhelm von Kaulbach, 1849
Cupid and Psyche, by Wilhelm von Kaulbach, 1849

Cupid and Psyche is a drawing by Wilhelm von Kaulbach. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cupid and Psyche is a drawing by Wilhelm von Kaulbach, created around 1849. It is a work on paper held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two figures in a contemplative scene. One figure sits with their back turned, wrapped in loose drapery, while the other leans over them, holding a scroll and displaying a winged arm in a thoughtful gesture.

Technique & Style

The artist employed fine, layered lines to create shading through a technique known as cross-hatching, adding depth and texture to the drawing without relying on heavy color. The lines are characterized by their softness and precision, effectively suggesting the folds of fabric and the contours of skin.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wilhelm von Kaulbach

Artist

Wilhelm von Kaulbach

Wilhelm von Kaulbach (15 October 1805 – 7 April 1874) was a German painter, noted mainly as a muralist, but also as a book illustrator. His murals decorate buildings in Munich. He is associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting.