What Does Jacques Louis David Represent

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In Jacques Louis David by Nanteuil, he states, “ He, too, was puzzled and disturbed by Amor [Cupid], which he believed did not fit in the composition”(Nanteuil, pg.248). Nanteuil shared this notion that Cupid didn’t appear to fit in the work because the emotions were separated. The drapery was excessive and luxurious, but the actions of the two figures were not in sync with them. Maybe the emotional focal point is evident between the figures that contrast the softness and comfort of the fabrics.
Shedding light on David’s perspective, the butterfly’s that are present above and below Psyche symbolize different ideals. The white butterfly above Psyche, symbolizes purity and goodness, light and innocence. The gold and blue butterfly engraved on the bed frame beneath Psyche, symbolizes virginity. The subtly of both speak to the fragility of Psyche's current state in the painting and the relationship between the two figures. The direct meaning rationalizes David’s use of symbolism to boldly tell the viewer what he wants to convey. “This jarring contrast serves to give Psyche, in spite of her voluptuousness, ‘a type of sensually intense innocence’" (Dorothy Johnson, pg 249). …show more content…
The drawings all treat the meeting of the pair, in differently composed views, but even these were altered when he finally come to paint the oil” (Francis). In his choice of a classical theme, David returned to the encouragement of his Roman visit, and the better-off years previous to those of the French
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