1955 Original PAUL-EMILE BECAT Etching “Cupid Finds Beautiful Psyche” FRAMED COA

$469.00

Artist: Paul-Émile Bécat (French, 1885 – 1960)
Title: Cupid Finding Psyche
Medium: Original drypoint etching on wove paper.
Year: 1955
Edition: Numbered limited edition. This is one of 670 numbered copies.
Publisher: Les Heures Claires, Paris
Condition: Excellent
Dimensions: Image Size 6 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches.
Framed Dimensions: Approximately 16 x 17 inches.
Framing: This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials.
The myth of Psyche and Eros is probably one of the most beautiful Greek myths; it has been told and retold in several different versions and it has inspired artists all over the world. Psyche was a woman gifted with extreme beauty and grace, one of the mortal women whose love and sacrifice for her beloved God Eros earned her immortality. Psyche became, as Greek word “psyche” implies, the deity of soul. To modern days, the myth of Psyche symbolizes a self-search and personal growth through learning, losing, and saving the real love. Living her ordinary life, Psyche became famous because of her beauty that the whole world rushed to see. Being jealous due to men’s admiration for Psyche, Goddess Aphrodite asked her son, the powerful master of love, Eros, to poison men’s souls in order to kill off their desire for Psyche. But Eros also fell in love with Psyche and was completely mesmerized by her beauty. Despite all the men coming her way, Psyche stayed unmarried, but she wanted to marry the man she would love. Her parents became so desperate because of their daughter’s destiny and had no choice but to ask for an oracle, hoping that they would manage to solve the mystery and give a husband to their daughter. Eros guided Apollo to give the oracle that Psyche would marry an ugly beast whose face she would never be able to see, and he would wait for her at the top of the mountain. It was not what Psyche’s parents were hoping for; on the contrary, they were completely devastated, as their daughter was not supposed to have such as fate, but they decided to go on and arranged the wedding of their beloved daughter with the beast. After the wedding, Psyche was able to be with her husband only at night. His tenderness and the enormous love he showed to her made Psyche happy and fulfilled beyond her expectations and dreams. She talked about her happiness with her sisters and confined in them how sad she was she couldn’t see his face. Hence, the jealous sisters persuaded Psyche that her lover is not only an ugly beast but also a monster who would eventually kill her, so she should kill him first to save herself. With the oil lamp and knife in her hands, Psyche one night was ready for murder, but when she enlightened the face of her beast-husband she saw the beautiful God Eros. Caught by surprise, she spilled the oil on his face. Eros woke up and flew away telling Psyche that she betrayed him and ruined their relationship so that they could never be united again.Psyche started searching for her lost love, and finally was suggested to beg Aphrodite, who imprisoned Eros in the Palace, to see him. Aphrodite gave her three impossible tasks to accomplish in order to prove her love. Driven by her desire to reunite with Eros, she was fearless. After accomplishing the first two tasks, Psyche had to go to the Hades (Underworld) and bring the box with the elixir of beauty to Aphrodite, who ordered her not to open the box. Instead of the elixir, there was Morpheus (the god of sleep and dreams) hiding in the box and since the curious Psyche opened it, she fell asleep. Eros found out what happened, run away from the Palace, and begged Zeus to save his Psyche. Amazed by their love, Zeus went even further – he made Psyche immortal so that two lovers could be together forever.
Paul-Émile Bécat was a French painter, printmaker and engraver, and was awarded first prize in the Prix de Rome in 1920. He was a student of Gabriel Ferrier and François Flameng and exhibitioned at the Salon de Paris in 1913. Returning from his travels to the Congo, Gabon, and the Sudan, he specialised from 1933 in the technique of drypoint in his erotic works. Today he is best known for his portraits of French writers, and for his erotic works.

Customer Testimonials

Salvador
Salvador
I am so pleased with this purchase. I am always a little leary about buying old prints but this has been my favorite purchase and best experience in a long time. Thank you so much for the very high quality, the excellent price, the speedy delivery and a most fitting description. I am sooo pleased. Great doing business with you!!!!
Barry
Barry
A beautiful engraving done by my ancestor, artist JD Watson. Terrific price and super quick and safe shipping. A+++ seller.
Barry
Barry
A beautiful engraving done by my ancestor, artist JD Watson. Terrific price and super quick and safe shipping. A+++ seller.
Levinfl
Levinfl
Most excellent seller This is the focal point of my collection
Bobbi
Bobbi
The seller was totally accommodating about responding to questions and working out details about the framing. Exceptionally beautiful results!! Many thanks!!! The packaging was absolutely secure. A wonderful experience working with a conscientious professional.
Agarfield50
Agarfield50
The print arrived EXACTLY when the seller said it would; the quality was simply EXCELLENT; and the frame was SUPERB. I am so happy with this art work and will probably buy again. What a relief to find honest art dealers. Thank you.
 mtgtreasurecompany
mtgtreasurecompany
Great Gift!!!
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1955 original paul emile becat etching "cupid finds beautiful psyche" framed coa1955 Original PAUL-EMILE BECAT Etching “Cupid Finds Beautiful Psyche” FRAMED COA
$469.00