Plate 7: Psyche attended in her bath by nymphs, in the background right Psyche represented again laying in bed, from "The Fable of Cupid and Psyche" 1515 - 1525

This engraving, "Plate 7: Psyche attended in her bath by nymphs," was made by Agostino Veneziano around the early 16th century. The composition is structured by a clear foreground and background, inviting us into a classical scene of bathers and attendants. Veneziano uses line and form to guide our eyes through the space. Notice how the figures are meticulously outlined, their postures arranged to create a flowing rhythm across the plane. The use of perspective, though somewhat flattened, suggests depth. This flattening effect almost seems to challenge traditional notions of spatial representation. Within the context of Renaissance art, this engraving functions as a semiotic system. Each element—the figures, the bath, the architectural details—conveys layers of meaning related to classical mythology, beauty, and the human form. Yet, Veneziano subtly destabilizes these classical ideals through his manipulation of space. The artwork invites a deeper engagement with its underlying structure.