Bronzino, An Allegory with Venus and Cupid, probably 1540-50

A missing allegory is hiding in this painting. While Venus and Cupid are readily identifiable in the foreground, the other figures are more obscure. Who are the rest of the cast of characters? Why has Venus taken Cupid’s arrow?

The history of this painting is only slightly less mysterious. King Francis I of France (1515– 1547) was rumoured to own a beautiful painting by Bronzino, showing a nude Venus being kissed by Cupid. This astonishing work certainly fits the bill.

Find out what other secrets we might uncover about this painting:

More about this painting »
View a zoom of this painting »
Send to mobile »