Signed and Dated EB-J 1867 Painted at the time when Burne-Jones was falling love with Maria Zambaco, the sensualism of this new version is at the heart of the painting. There is a greater intensity in the face of Psyche, a portrait of Maria. The moment the painting illustrates is in Morris's words "And kneeling down he whispered in her ear, "Rise, Psyche, and be mine for ever more For Evil is long tarrying on this shore". Then when she heard him, straight way she arose, And from her fell the burden of her woes." (Cupid and Psyche narrative, The Earthly Paradise) Burne-Jones chose a passage in which he was able to allegorise the position he found himself in. at a time when he was embarking upon a passionate affair. Maria Zambaco had recently escaped an unhappy marriage and he saw himself as her liberator and rescuer similar to Cupid in the story. Maria's likeness is given to Psyche who is being delivered from her fate, after the cruelly inflicted trials of Venus. The Athenaeum 30 Nov 1867 "Several of the most eminent members contribute memoranda which, although having considerable artistic value, are below exhibition quality. Among them are Messers. E. B. Jones - whose items, contrary to his wont, call for no special mention"
According to Bell, the first picture painted at The Grange.