Cupid and Psyche

This painting has been in the Uffizi Gallery since 1926. The episode depicted was drawn from the Metamorphosis by Apuleius (V. 22). Cupid, in love with Psyche, appears to her under a false semblance, prohibiting her from seeing and recognizing him. Driven by curiosity, Psyche observes Cupid by the light of a lantern and accidentally awakens him. For this reason she will be abandoned by the god and punished.