A set of five French papier peints 'en grisaille', from the Psyché series, manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte 19th century

each depicting various neoclassical scenes within modern painted faux porphyry and parcel gilded rectangular frames carved with diaper motifs and patera, comprising:



`Psyche's Parents Consult the Oracle of Apollo',` Psyche Bringing Venus a Jug of Water from the Fountain of Youth', `Psyche Showing Her Jewellery to Her Sisters', `Psyche Abandoned', `Psyche going to the Underworld'.

Some minor stains and gold repairs generally as visible from the photograph. Later re-lined on canvas. One has recent area of minor damage which will need retouching. In overall good condition. Highly decorative.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
F.Teynac, P. Nolot, JD.Vivien, Le monde du papier peint, Nancy, 1981, pp. 262-263, no. 4.
O. Nouvel-Kammerer, French Scenic Wallpaper, 1795-1865, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Tours, 2000, p. 118.

The popularity of wall decoration in the form of scenic wallpaper in bourgeois salons and dining rooms, according to Yvonne Brunhammer, see Le monde du papier peint,  op. cit., corresponds to a profound need; "the interior is not just the universe but also the étui of the  private individual".

Psyché was one of Dufour's most neoclassical wallpapers and introduced in 1816. The story is depicted as unfolding in a classical place with scaled down landscapes comparable to contemporary paintings.  According to Nouvel-Kammerer, op. cit., `the title of the promotional brochure, Psyché et Cupidon, tableaux-tentures en papier peint de la masion Joseph Dufour, promotes the wallpaper as a series of `paintings or wall hangings' unequivocally indicates the manufacturer's decorative intentions'.

Nouvel-Kammerer, op. cit., pp. 262-263, no. 4, illustrates the original a set of 26 lengths of wallpaper, which was exhibited at the French Industrial Exposition, Paris of 1819. The twelve lengths are illustrations of the novel, Les Amours de Psyché et Cupidon by Jean de La Fontaine who in turn was originally inspired by Apulieus's tale L'âne doré. The titles of the episodes were printed at the bottom of each length. Five of the twelve scenes were inspired by Gérard's engravings. The recorded details of all but one of the panels are as follows:

"Psyche's Parents Consult the Oracle of Apollo." The original drawing was by Gérard; engraving by Nicollet. Several changes were made in the scenic wallpaper version and the brick wall becomes marble and the chevron-patterned floor tiled. The title is the same as that of the engraving. Landon reproduced Gérard's drawing, engraved by Devilliers(Annales du Musee, 1809, pl. 56).

"Psyche Bringing Venus a Jug of Water from the Fountain of Youth," was designed by Blondel

"Psyche Abandoned," Gérard exhibited a painting on this theme at the 1808 Salon; it was engraved by Tardieu. The engraving shows Psyche naked and in a dejected pose, while Dufour portrays her clothed and upright in an energetic pose; there is a broken pillar in the waves at her feet.

"Psyche going to the Underworld," Laffitte