In the family of the present owner for at least the past one hundred years.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and the paint is stable , if a little raised. There are obvious discoloured retouchings to the edges of the painting and to the shadows of the kneeling figures red cloak. Elsewhere , there is a scattering of small retouchings to the pillar of the temple and the cloud , lower right by the peacock. The painting is in a good condition and tonal improvement would be achieved with the removal of the discoloured varnish. Offered in a modern gilt wood frame in good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The subject is probably an episode taken from the story of Cupid and Pysche as recounted by Lucius Apuleius in his tale The Golden Ass. Cupid, in love with beautiful Psyche against his jealous mother's wishes, was eventually disillusioned by Psyche's lack of trust. Abandoned by Cupid, Psyche wandered the earth in search of her former lover and appealed to Juno and Ceres to help her. Jupiter later took pity on Psyche and the lovers were reunited and married at a festive banquet on Mount Olympus