This painting is by Orazio Gentileschi, the father of Artemisia Gentileschi. It shows the dramatic moment in the story of Cupid and Psyche when Psyche, living happily as the wife of Cupid but never having seen her husband (he comes to her in the darkness of night), is prompted by her sisters to discover his identity, even though he has forbidden her to do so. Attempting to look at him while he sleeps, she accidentally awakens him. Cupid immediately flies away, leaving Psyche bereft, stricken with sadness for her lost husband. She will have to go through many trials and adventures before she can be reunited with him.
You can also find more myths and legends for the week of July 29 - August 4 here. For more information and links to the actual javascript code, see the Myths & Legends Widget Reference Page.
