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Venus and Cupid on the Sea Riding on Dolphins

Marco Dente

1550

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Renaissance Mythology

Dominant colour

Venus and Cupid on the Sea Riding on Dolphins is a 1550 by Marco Dente, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Marco Dente
When & what style?: 1550
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

The painting depicts a woman and a child riding on the backs of two dolphins in the sea. The woman, positioned on the right, is nude and adorned with a crown, while the child, situated on the left, is also nude and holds a trident. A sea monster's head is visible in the foreground, and a cityscape is visible in the background. The sky above features clouds and a figure emerging from them. The painting showcases a mythological scene, with the woman and child likely representing Venus and Cupid. The use of dolphins as mounts adds a touch of fantasy to the composition. The painting is attributed to Marco Dente, an artist known for his work in the early 16th century. To learn more about Dente's style and technique, explore the works of artist Dente, Marco.