Getty Museum

The Toilette of Psyche from The Story of Psyche tapestry series

Date

1741–1742

Medium

Wool and silk; modern cotton lining

Culture

French

Department

Decorative Arts

Institution

Getty Museum

Beside a fountain on an outdoor stone terrace, Psyche is groomed by her attendants. Two maids stand behind Psyche and dress her hair. A large mirror reflects her face and one of her attendants. To the left of the mirror, an attendant appears transfixed by Psyche's beauty; another displays a length of pink silk fabric. At the right edge, a seated attendant sorts flowers and converses with a maid who carries powder and perfume on a silver tray. Psyche is probably being prepared for her first night with her new husband, Cupid. Nicolas Besnier, a silversmith and co-director of the Beauvais manufactory, probably advised Boucher on the trio of elaborate silver objects in the foreground--a large pitcher, basin, and tray.

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