Artwork
Venus and Cupid
Venus and Cupid is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacob Matham. It dates from 1587 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:below image: Illa venustatis mater venus aurea, blando / Faedere terrigenás, caelicolasque ligo; below image, at right: 2
About this work
Overview
Venus and Cupid is an engraving on laid paper created by Jacob Matham around 1587.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a woman, likely Venus, and a child, probably Cupid, entwined together with wings and drapery. The scene is dreamy and chaotic, with the figures' bodies and surrounding elements twisting together.
Technique & Style
The engraving features intricate details achieved through the use of tiny parallel lines, which create shadows and textures. The artist's technique gives the image a high level of realism, particularly in the rendering of feathers.
Context
The Latin text at the bottom of the engraving is decorative and alludes to a narrative, though its specific meaning is not immediately clear. The work is an example of engraving, a printmaking technique used by artists before the advent of photography.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
