The goddess Venus conceived a hopeless passion for the beautiful mortal Adonis, and here implores him to stay and love her, rather than go hunting. Adonis was later accidentally killed and anemones sprung from his blood. Ovid, 'Metamorphoses' (X, 665-740). Cupid is in the background.
This painting is a good workshop copy of the one finished for Philip II of Spain in 1554 (Madrid, Prado).
The painting was purchased from the Angerstein collection.
| Artist | Workshop of Titian |
|---|---|
| Artist dates | active about 1506; died 1576 |
| Full title | Venus and Adonis |
| Date made | about 1554 |
| Medium and support | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 177.9 x 188.9 cm |
| Acquisition credit | Bought, 1824 |
| Inventory number | NG34 |
| Location in Gallery | Room 9 |
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