Cupid And Psyche c. 1798

François Gérard created this oil on canvas depicting Cupid and Psyche, but the year is unknown. The figures are drawn from classical mythology but the painting embodies the aesthetic we associate with French Neoclassicism. Gérard's composition evokes an idealized vision of love and beauty, reflecting the values and aspirations of the society in which he worked. The sensuality of the image might seem progressive, but in its time this mythological subject matter was safe and conservative. It was a way of representing the nude human figure in a way that would be seen as tasteful and elevated. To gain a deeper understanding of this image, we might consult historical texts about artistic production in France during this time. What was the role of institutions like the Académie des Beaux-Arts in shaping artistic taste and regulating the production of art?