Ode to Psyche by Will Hicok Low 1887. Vintage print of this greek mythology episode between Eros and Psiche

Will Hicok Low (1853–1932) was an American painter, illustrator, and muralist who trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme. Deeply influenced by academic classicism and the French salon tradition, Low became known for his refined technique and allegorical subjects. Throughout his career, he contributed to the American Renaissance movement, creating murals and illustrations that celebrated classical themes and national ideals.

Ode to Psyche (1887) is a romantic interpretation of the mythological tale of Eros and Psyche, drawn from Greek mythology and popularized in the works of Apuleius. The artwork captures a tender, idealized moment between the lovers, infused with soft light and graceful lines typical of academic neoclassicism. This vintage reproduction reflects Low’s fascination with myth and beauty, echoing the influence of the Pre-Raphaelites and the poetic tone of John Keats' poem of the same name. The composition invites viewers into a dreamlike reverie, emphasizing love’s ethereal and transformative power.