Artwork
Venus Lamenting Adonis
Venus Lamenting Adonis is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper center in pen and brown ink: Spiritum / morientis / excipit ore
About this work
Overview
Venus Lamenting Adonis is a drawing by Peter Paul Rubens, created around 1610, executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper. The work captures a scene of grief through loose, expressive lines.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman, identifiable as Venus, in a state of anguish with raised arms, accompanied by two smaller figures, possibly children, conveying a sense of urgent emotional expression.
Technique & Style
Characterized by quick, rough strokes and uneven dark ink, the drawing showcases Rubens' rapid execution. The loose lines and varied ink density contribute to an overall sense of urgency and spontaneity.
History & Provenance
Originally created on laid paper, the drawing has been laid down, indicating a preservation or mounting process at some point in its history.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch:; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.
