Panel 7. Cupid Carrying Psyche Up to Heaven, 1908, Ere Maurice Denis (1870-1943)

The composition presents a narrative scene unfolding against a backdrop of stylized clouds and a deep blue sky. A winged figure, presumably male, dominates the foreground, actively engaged in lifting another individual into the air. The lifted figure is draped in flowing fabric that billows around her as she ascends. Her posture suggests both surrender and trust; her head leans towards the carrying figure, her expression unreadable but hinting at a mixture of vulnerability and acceptance.
The winged figure’s pose conveys strength and determination. His wings are large and prominent, rendered in a pale pink hue that contrasts with his flesh tones and the surrounding environment. The artist has employed a limited palette – primarily pinks, blues, and creams – which contributes to an ethereal quality. The application of paint appears somewhat loose and textured, particularly noticeable in the depiction of the clouds, suggesting a deliberate departure from meticulous realism.
The presence of several small birds flying around the central figures adds another layer of symbolic meaning. These avian forms could represent freedom, aspiration, or perhaps even souls ascending alongside the human pair. The black border framing the scene creates a sense of enclosure and focuses attention on the narrative within.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of divine intervention, love, and ascension. The act of being carried implies dependence and elevation – both physically and metaphorically. The relationship between the two figures is ambiguous; it could represent rescue, salvation, or a journey towards enlightenment. The overall effect is one of dreamlike serenity tinged with an underlying sense of mystery. The simplified forms and flattened perspective contribute to a feeling that this is not merely a depiction of a physical event but rather a symbolic representation of a spiritual transformation.