Who painted Hymn to Venus?

Hymn to Venus was painted by Louis Félix de La Rue in 1762.

Where can I see Hymn to Venus?

Hymn to Venus is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Hymn to Venus?

Hymn to Venus is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Hymn to Venus

Louis Félix de La Rue , 1762

Hymn to Venus is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Louis Félix de La Rue. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2019.253
Credit line: Bequest of Muriel Butkin

About this work

You see a swirl of chubby babies and dancing women around a statue of Venus.

This drawing was probably a practice sheet for fancy plates or vases. The artist filled every inch with figures, like wallpaper. The lines are light and quick, more about pattern than deep space.

To see how other artists turned drawings into decorative art, look up France, 18th century.

Overview

Hymn to Venus is a drawing by Louis Félix de La Rue, an artist from a family of creatives. The work showcases the artist's skill in designing intricate compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a lively scene centered around a statue of Venus, surrounded by putti and bacchantes, subjects frequently explored by the artist. The arrangement suggests a celebratory or ritualistic atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The composition is characterized by its dense, allover arrangement and emphasis on patterning and symmetry. The lines are rendered in a light and rapid manner, prioritizing decorative effect over depth or spatial complexity.

History & Provenance

As a member of an artistic family, La Rue was known for his designs for decorative arts, such as ceramics. This drawing likely served as a preparatory work for similar applications.