"Love and Psyche" (also known as "Cupid and Psyche") by Lionel Royer (1852-1926). Here is a rare gem from over a century ago! This is the original 1893 gravure print of this famous piece, published in New York by D. Appleton & Co. Lionel Royer is legendary as a depicter of French historical and military scenes, and as an illustrator for such publications as Le Petit Journal. Cupid and Psyche are among the best-known characters of classic fable, and their names are almost inseparable. Psyche was so beautiful as to excite the envy of Venus, who accordingly sent Cupid to inspire the maiden with love for the most contemptible of men. But when Cupid saw her, he himself loved her, and under cover of the darkness repeatedly visited her. He charged her never to yield to her curiosity to see him, not to inquire who he was. But once, while he slept, she brought a lamp and gazed with rapture on the loveliest of the gods. Alas! a drop of hot oil from the lamp awakened him, and reproaching her, he departed to return no more. She now spent her time wandering from temple to temple, inquiring for her lover. Finally she came to the palace of Venus, who retained her as a slave and cruelly mistreated her. Cupid invisibly comforted and encouraged her, till finally Venus relented, and she was united to Cupid forever and received among the immortals. The fable is interpreted as an allegory of a human soul prepared by suffering for immortal felicity. DO NOT CONFUSE THIS PRINT WITH THE "GICLEE" VERSION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM NUMEROUS PUBLISHERS...this is the real McCoy, from 1893, and in very good condition (there are some minor discolorations around the edge of the paper due to its extreme age, not encroaching upon the image impression). Print image size 11 1/2" x 8". Only one in stock. Put some romance into your life!