The tale of Cupid and Psyche is a story from classical mythology, recounted by the Latin author Apuleius in his work "Metamorphoses," also known as "The Golden Ass," in the 2nd century AD. It's a love story that has captured the imagination of artists, writers, and musicians for centuries, and has been a recurring theme in various forms of art, especially painting.

The narrative of Cupid and Psyche revolves around the romance between Psyche, a mortal woman of extraordinary beauty, and Cupid, the god of love himself. Psyche's beauty causes the goddess Venus to become jealous, and she sends Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with the most despicable of men. However, upon seeing her, Cupid falls in love with Psyche himself. He becomes her unseen husband, visiting her only at night and forbidding her to look at him. Psyche's curiosity eventually gets the better of her, and upon seeing Cupid, she accidentally awakens him with hot oil from a lamp. As a punishment for her lack of trust, Cupid leaves her.

The story continues with Psyche undergoing a series of challenges set by Venus in the hope of winning back Cupid. These tasks are symbolic and allegorical, touching on themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Psyche's quest culminates in her eventual transformation into a goddess, allowing her to be reunited with Cupid forever.

Artists like Raphael, Titian, and more recently, Pre-Raphaelites like Edward Burne-Jones, and even Surrealists like Salvador Dali, have all taken on the challenge of depicting various aspects of the Cupid and Psyche story. Their interpretations are as diverse as the periods and personal styles they represent, but all pay homage to the enduring power of this ancient love story.