The Story Of Psyche With A Classical Enquiry Into The Signification And Origin Of The Fable By Elizabeth Strutt With Designs In Outline By John Gibson Esq: R.A.

Elizabeth Strutt

RA Collection: Book

Record number

04/3865

Author

Elizabeth Strutt

Imprint

[S.l.]:: [s.n.],, [ca. 1851?]

Physical Description

[iii]-xxvi, [2], 53, [1] p., frontis., [7] pl.: [7] illus.; 509 mm. (Folio.)

[Frontis., t.p. with vignette] - Classical Enquiry ... - [Dedic.] - [Text, with 6 pl., 6 tailpieces] - [Plate 'Antique Gems ...'].

Responsibility Note

The frontispiece is unsigned; the last plate is signed as engraved by J. Moore. The six plates and six tail-pieces illustrating the poem are all signed as designed by Gibson and engraved by Jordan, except those illustrating Canto II, which are signed as designed by A.J. Strutt and engraved by Jordan. The title-page vignette is unsigned. No name of publisher or printer is provided. The verse dedication is from the author to 'Maria'.

Summary Note

The larger part of the work is a poem in six cantos on Cupid and Psyche.

The six plates and six tailpieces each illustrate an episode in one of the six cantos. Two additional plates are captioned 'Eros And Anteros Contending For The Possession Of The Soul' (frontispiece) and 'Antique Gems connected with The Story Of Psyche' (at the end). An additional illustration forms a vignette on the title page.

Provenance

Front endpaper inscribed in ink, 'Fred W. Westley - from the Author - Septr. 30 1851'. Purchased for RA Library in 1871 (see 'Library Report for the Year 1871', RA Annual Report, Appendix No. 7, p. 27).

Binding Note

19th-century red cloth-covered boards, upper and lower covers stamped with borders surrounding a vase of flowers with butterflies (upper cover, gilt; lower, blind); rebacked in 20th century, black morocco spine label lettered 'Psyche John Gibson R.A'.

Name as Subject

Psyche (Greek deity)
Eros (Greek deity)
Cupid (Roman deity)

Subject

Cupid and Psyche (Tale) - Mythology, Greek
English poetry - Great Britain - 19th century
Drawings, British - Great Britain - 19th century
Illustrated books - Pictorial works - Great Britain - 19th century

Contributors

John Gibson RA, draughtsman
F. Jordan, engraver
Arthur John Strutt, draughtsman
J. Moore, engraver
Maria, dedicatee
Frederick W. Westley, previous owner
Elizabeth Strutt, previous owner