Open full image Pin
Venus and Adonis, by Nicolas Poussin, oil, 1628

Venus and Adonis

Nicolas Poussin

1628

oil

canvas

From the collection of Manchester Art Gallery

Dominant colour

Overview

Venus and Adonis is a 1628 oil by Nicolas Poussin, depicting Adonis, held at Manchester Art Gallery.

Who painted this?
Nicolas Poussin
When & what style?
1628
Where can I see it?
Manchester Art Gallery

About this work

This painting depicts a serene scene with Venus and Adonis in a lush outdoor setting. Venus, a woman with long hair, is reclining on the ground, while Adonis, a man with a spear, sits beside her. The atmosphere is peaceful, with trees and clouds in the background. In the foreground, two cherubs are playing with a swan, adding to the sense of tranquility. The use of warm colors and soft lighting creates a sense of intimacy and closeness between the figures. The artist's attention to detail and use of chiaroscuro technique add depth and dimension to the painting. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, you can explore the technique further.

About the artist

Portrait of Nicolas Poussin
Artist

Nicolas Poussin

Nicolas Poussin (UK: , US: , French: ; June 1594 – 19 November 1665) was a leading painter of the classical French Baroque style, although he spent most of his working life in Rome.

See the richer artist page

More by Nicolas Poussin

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app