For the figures of Psyche and Zephyr woven in reverse in the tapestry of Zephyr leading Psyche into the Palace of Love, Ananoff, op. cit., no. 187-5, fig. 593. On 30 September 1737, Louis XV, decided to weave a new set of tapestries to be used as diplomatic gifts. Although the name of Oudry was suggested, Boucher was eventually awarded the commission on 25 November 1737. The subject chosen was the Story of Psyche and nine designs were to be executed. Boucher asked the journalist Petit de Bachaumont for advice on the subjects, A. Laing, François Boucher, exhib. cat., Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York et al., 1986, p. 187.
The now lost cartoon that relates to the present drawing was exhibited at the Salon in 1739 and described in the livret: 'un grand tableau en largeur de 14 pieds sur 10 de haut, représentant Psiché conduite par Zéphire dans le Palais de l'Amour, par M. Boucher, professeur. Ce tableau doit être exécuté en tapisserie pour le Roy, à la manufacture de Beauvais'. The commission was eventually reduced to five cartoons: the first three were finished in 1741 and the other two a year later.
According to Ovid, Psyche was so beautiful that she aroused even Venus' envy. After a series of punishments arranged by Venus, Psyche was finally borne to heaven by Mercury where she met with her lover Cupid.