SOLD. A French grisaille wallpaper panel after Joseph Dufour, early 20th century. H. 184 cm. W. 219 cm. – Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers of Fine Art

A French grisaille wallpaper on panel, depicting a scene from “The Story of Psyche” created by the Joseph Dufour manufacture in 1816, 'Psyche showing her jewelry to her sisters'. Early 20th century. In a later grey painted frame. H. 184 cm. W. 219 cm.

Panoramic wallpaper “The Story of Psyche”

The story of Psyche and Cupid is told over serie of 12 different panels of which we have three up for auction. These panels are made by Defosse & Karth, after the design made by Merry-Joseph Blondel (1781–1853) and Louis Laffitte (1770–1828) for the manufacture Dufour & Cie in 1815. The story of Cupid and Psyche was celebrated in ancient mythology as an allegory representing the rapport between the human soul and divine love. Psyche's beauty aroused Venus's jealousy. Cupid was instructed by the goddess to cause the maiden to fall in love with a monster, but instead he married her himself. Psyche, mislead by her jealous sisters into believing she had actually married a monster, attempted to kill Cupid, was banished from Love's enchanted castle and sought Venus's help. Having accomplished various tasks for the goddess, she was allowed to be reunited with Cupid.

Literature: Papier peints panoramiques. Catalogue from Musée des Art Décoratifs, Paris, p. 262. nr. 4, depict p. 200.

Condition Report:
Wear.