Cupid and Psyche

This being Valentine's Day and all, I thought it was a good time to explain my header image.

The image is of a painting called Cupid and Psyche that's currently on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I took this picture a couple of years ago and I've always loved this painting.

When I took this picture, there was a group of old ladies sitting down staring at it. I came in and read the description and stood back to get a better look at (it's a huge painting). I loved the look on Cupid's face and even though it's an extremely sexually charged painting, the look just seemed to lighten the whole thing up and made you realize that this guy was probably in love with this woman. He never thought that he could be in love and that was his little joke, shared between me and him. He was trapped, and he loved it.

One of the old ladies said, "I wonder what he's smiling about?"

I looked over and noticed her looking at me. "Me or him?" I asked.

Then she gave me a wink. "I know what he's smiling about."

We both laughed. It was one of those weird moments in an art museum where social contact adds to the experience. Usually I'll just walk around and look at the art and imagine that I'm the only one in the whole building, which is usually why I'll take off work and go on the weekdays with my wife, Amy. But this seemed different. This was a painting to share. And I shared it with my little old lady.

And so now I share it with you. Cupid and Psyche. This Valetine's Day, may you be as trapped as he.

I love you, Amy.