Twee scènes uit het verhaal van Amor en Psyche 1668 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop rendered these two scenes from the story of Amor and Psyche with pen in the mid-17th century. In the upper scene, we see Psyche holding a candle, its flame representing the spark of curiosity and the danger of seeking forbidden knowledge. The sleeping Amor is vulnerable, a depiction echoing ancient portrayals of Eros as both powerful and susceptible. Below, the trials of Psyche are illustrated. Here, she is tasked with collecting water, a perilous feat underscored by the presence of menacing, lion-like creatures. This motif of facing animalistic forces connects to older myths. Consider the labors of Hercules, and the emotional undercurrents resonate across centuries; they evoke the human struggle against primal fears. Such a portrayal isn't merely decorative; it’s an enduring narrative form, tapping into our collective unconscious where symbols of love, trust, and trials stir deep within us.