Images(2)

Psyche and Cupid

Date1765-67

Model by Johann Christian Wilhelm Beyer German, 1725-1806

Label TextNeoclassicism was gaining a foothold in the European porcelain factories by the mid-1760s, when Johann Christian Wilhelm Beyer modeled the figural groups showing Psyche revived by Cupid's kiss and Venus with Adonis. Proponents of neoclassicism expressed their distaste for frivolous porcelain figures in the rococo style, but supported the use of antique statues as appropriate models for porcelain figures. That was the stricture followed by Beyer when he modeled these classical figures. Rather than what they viewed as amoral portrayals of the gods and goddesses during the rococo period, the proponents of neoclassicism focused on graceful representations of the Olympians as depictions of physical beauty.

Object number76.89

ProvenanceCollection of Mr and Mrs Henry and Martha Isaacson, unknown purchase date until 1976; gift from Mr and Mrs Henry and Martha Isaacson to Seattle Art Museum, Washington, 1976

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe", February 17, 2000-May 7, 2000 (2/17/2000 - 5/7/2000)Published ReferencesEmerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000, pg. 265

Credit LineGift of Martha and Henry Isaacson

Dimensions14 x 6 in. (35.56 x 15.24 cm)

MediumHard paste porcelain