Lovers (Venus and Adonis ?) in a landscape

Italian, Milan

Not on view

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).

Lovers (Venus and Adonis ?) in a landscape, Sardonyx, Italian, Milan

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