Lovers (Venus and Adonis ?) in a landscape

Unknown

late 16th century · Sardonyx · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The lovers’ entwined legs (and the presence of Cupid) imply amorous attachment, while their arms—hers restraining, his gesticulating—denote conflict, as Venus entreats Adonis not to go after the wild boar that will be the cause of his death. But Adonis, hound at his side, is on the point of willful departure. The sophisticated atmospherism, relayed in myriad browns and grays, shows awareness of Alessandro Masnago’s work (see 38.150.33).

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Sardonyx

Culture

Italian, Milan

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Milton Weil Collection, 1938