The New Metamorphosis, Plate 6: The Story of Cupid and Psyche
Medium
Etching and engraving; second state of two
Dimensions
sheet: 5 11/16 x 2 7/8 in. (14.4 x 7.3 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1932
Accession Number
32.35(176)
Tags
Art Historical Context
This 1724 etching and engraving, Plate 6 from *The New Metamorphosis*, captures a pivotal moment in the timeless tale of Cupid and Psyche. Drawn from the ancient Roman novel *The Golden Ass* by Apuleius, the story was adapted for English readers by Charles Gon. The intimate scale of the print—just over five inches tall—reflects its original purpose as a book illustration, inviting close viewing of the mythological lovers whose trials and ultimate union symbolize the soul’s journey toward divine love. William Hogarth, still early in his career, contributed to this publication with his characte...
About the Artist
Charles Gildon|Lucius Madaurensis Apuleius|William Hogarth (British|British|Algerian) · 1697 |1660 |0120 –1764 |1724 |0224
British, London 1697–1764 London|British, ca. 1665–1724|M'Daourouch, Algeria ca. 124–after 170