If the date 1865 is correct, the idea for having Cupid in the same image as "Psyche listening to his Voice" was abandoned being replaced by having the figures in two separate frames and when re-designing the story for Palace Green (1872), Burne-Jones returned to the original composition with Cupid immediately behind Psyche. However there is a possibility that the date was added later and that is was made in preparation for the murals. As the date is added in white chalk, it appears to be contemporary with the drawing confirming that this is an early design.