Related UCL Art Collections Artwork
‘Cupid and Psyche’ (1574) Giorgio Ghisi (1520-1582)
 ‘Niobe’ 1761 William Woollett  (1735-1785)

By cutting and raising sections of the prints, in this case the foliage in woodland scenes, the possibility of movement is introduced.

The works play between setting up the illusion of a breeze or gust of wind travelling through the landscape and exposing the rudimentary process of bits of paper being blown by a person or people. At certain intervals the ‘blowers’’ faces push into the frame and become part of the image introducing a new layer of narrative to the scene in the print.

Both original prints feature scenes from Greek mythology and the ‘blowers’ introduced are specifically placed to become personifications of particular wind Gods (or Anemoi).

Zephyr’s work is done

The image shows the point where Cupid and Psyche are about to consummate their marriage.  Zephyr the west wind, the gentlest of winds, is instrumental in making this happen as he is responsible for blowing Psyche to a far off valley where Cupid lives so they can be together.  In the work Zephyr admires his handiwork and blows a soft, refreshing breeze on the lovers.

Apollo calls upon the Anemoi

The scene features the dramatic point where Apollo has been sent by his mother, the goddess Latona to slay the children of Niobe as punishment for being arrogant enough to believe she is greater than the goddess herself.  As Niobe pleads for hew sons’ lives to be saved, a storm rages around her and the other characters in the print.  In the newly manipulated work the more volatile Anemoi from the north, east and south - Boreas, Eurus and Notus respectively are introduced into the image.

Andrea Greenwood
MA Fine Art (First Year Postgraduate)