Edward Poynter
(1836 - 1919)
 

Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Baronet GCVO, PRA was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman, who served as President of the Royal Academy. He became best known for his large historical paintings such as Israel in Egypt (1867; Guildhall Art Gallery, London), followed by St George for England (1869), a mosaic for the Central Lobby of the Palace of Westminster, depicting St George and the Dragon and perhaps culminating with The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (1884–90; Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Poynter

Psyche in the Temple of Love
1882
Oil on canvas
50,7 x 66,3 cm
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Cupid, having fallen in love with Psyche, brought her to a beautiful palace where he visited her every night but never during the day. In this painting she is amusing herself by playing with her usual attribute, the butterfly. Both Psyche and the butterfly symbolise the human soul and Poynter has wittily suggested the connection by having Psyche entice the butterfly into the palace with a flower. The doves of Venus, Psyche’s great enemy, fly ominously in the background.