Cupid and Psyche

The second generation of the Neoclassical style cultivated an aestheticism of beautiful physique that seemed to be trying to discover the limits of what was feasible. The new intention was already evident in Gérard's Cupid and Psyche, which was shown in the Salon of 1798. The intention was to take physical beauty, line, composition, colour and delicacy of the handling of flesh to perfection.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 4 minutes): Francesco Gasparini: The Meddlesome Cupid, aria