Ludovic and Reuben, 124c41, 2011

Inspired by Joshua Reynolds, Cupid and Psyche, c. 1789.

We chose this painting because we liked the warm tones that were contrasting against the dark ones. We really liked the way it portrays the myth of Cupid and Psyche, since it captures the moment before Cupid escapes through the window in the corner.

We researched the myth and found out that the story is a lot more complicated than it first seems. We also researched the artist, Reynolds, who was heavily inspired by Florentine painters. He specialised in commissioned portrait paintings, but this painting was a history painting, and he was the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts.

We understood that it would be difficult to depict the whole story, so we chose to have an external view of the painting. We tried to represent the mood of the painting in our animation.

Our animation shows segments of the painting, and the confusion of the story with the professor mumbling.

Inspired by:

Joshua Reynolds, Cupid and Psyche, c.1789

Joshua Reynolds, Cupid and Psyche, c.1789

This late work by Sir Joshua Reynolds shows the mortal Psyche discovering the identity of her sleeping lover, the god Cupid. Reynolds uses the subject to explore nocturnal lighting effects. The light and shadows appear more dramatic after recent conservation work which removed many layers of discoloured varnish. This work was first shown at Somerset House, now home to The Courtauld Gallery, in 1789.