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Death of Adonis

Jean Baptiste Patas

1850

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Death of Adonis is a 1850 by Jean Baptiste Patas, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Jean Baptiste Patas
When & what style?: 1850
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a dramatic scene in a forest. A woman sits on the ground, holding a child, while a wounded man lies nearby. Above them, a cherub floats in the trees, and another winged figure hovers near the wounded man. The background has dark trees and a stormy sky, with a hunter’s dog peeking from the shadows. The title at the bottom says *Death of Adonis*, but the print itself is more about the emotional weight of the moment. Notice how the light and shadows create deep contrasts, especially on the faces and bodies. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works in other art.

The story of this work

Overview

The print depicts the death of Adonis, based on a composition by Paolo Veronese, rendered in ink on paper by Jean Baptiste Patas in 1850.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Jean Baptiste Patas

Jean Baptiste Patas made prints that look like they walked off a stage set. He loved drama—especially the kind where gods turn into plants or lovers turn into flowers—so he specialized in scenes from myths, all draped…

See the richer artist page