This painting is the sixth in a set of twelve in the Royal Collection depicting part of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The subject of this series comes from The Metamorphoses or Golden Ass by the second-century AD writer Apuleius: it is one of the stories that intersperse the main narrative of Lucius on his travels (Book IV, para. 28 - chap. VI, para. 24). The tale of the many travails endured by ill-matched lovers (one mortal and one divine) before their final happy marriage, it was interpreted in the Renaissance as a Neoplatonic allegory of the progress of the soul (Psyche means 'soul' in Greek) towards salvation through Divine Love. The outcome of their union is Pleasure.

This painting shows Cupid, visiting Psyche's bed when night is well advanced. Here Cupid looks up at a female figure holding a bed curtain (symbolising night), while another holds her finger to her lips, possibly to symbolise the secrecy of their union. Shortly afterwards Cupid tells Psyche that she is bearing his child. Psyche's isolation makes her palace seem a splendid prison; she wishes her sisters might visit her so that she can reassure them of her well-being. Cupid unwillingly gives his consent; Zephyrus brings the sisters three times. Envious of the delights enjoyed by Psyche, they persuade her that her husband is a serpentine monster who will devour her and advise her to kill 'it' while it sleeps.

Signed by the artist on foot of bed: Jordanus.F.; on back of copper: J Meijers