Lovers (Venus and Adonis ?) in a landscape
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).
Artwork Details
- Title: Lovers (Venus and Adonis ?) in a landscape
- Date: late 16th century
- Culture: Italian, Milan
- Medium: Sardonyx
- Dimensions: Overall: 15/16 x 1 1/4 in. (2.4 x 3.2 cm); visible cameo: 24.3 x 32.6 x 12.7 mm
- Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
- Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1938
- Object Number: 38.150.19
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Cristoforo Solari
probably 1514–24
Leone Leoni
1550
Italian, Milan
ca. 1520–30
Alessandro Masnago
probably late 16th century
Italian, Milan
late 15th century
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