Jean-François de Troy

Unlined canvas. there is very good preservation of the paint surface with lovely detail and subtle coloration. there is a very small repaired puncture in background above the curtain at right (a small patch is visible on the reverse). ultraviolet light reveals retouches on curtain upper left and at center; on drapery lower right and in areas along bottom edge. figure of Psyche has some scattered retouches in the form of inpainting of craquelure to her upper body, and some on her bottom and stomach. only one or two tiny retouches on Cupid. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with nicks.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

De Troy depicted the subject of Cupid and Psyche on several occasions.  In 1735 he was commissioned by the duc de Lorraine to paint four large canvases (now lost) portraying the story of Psyche, and another canvas, Psyche Awakening Cupid, in oval format, was recorded in the salon of the Château de la Grange-du-Milieu.¹  The lovers' story is recounted in Books 4-6 of the Golden Ass by Lucius Apuleius (2nd century A.D.) and was interpreted during the Renaissance as an allegory of the seach of the Soul (Psyche) for union with Desire (Eros).  The present painting depicts the moment when Psyche, who has been visited by her lover Cupid after dark and is told that she is forbidden to see him, is overcome by her curiosity.  Fearful that he is actually some terrifying creature, she holds an oil lamp above him as he sleeps and is relieved to see the beautiful young Cupid.  A drop of hot oil from the lamp falls on him and he awakens and angrily leaves her.  The ensuing story follows the many trials that Psyche must endure before she and Cupid are finally reunited.

We are grateful to Christophe Leribault who, based on firsthand inspection, has confirmed this painting to be a work by Jean-François de Troy.

1.  See C. Leribault, Jean-Françcois de Troy, Paris 2002, pp. 345 and 420.