The artwork “Death of Adonis” is a mythological painting by the renowned Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, executed circa 1610 to 1612. The compact piece, measuring only 22 by 15 centimeters, is part of the collection at the British Museum in London, United Kingdom. The Baroque period, known for its dramatic expression and intricate detail, is exemplified in this work through Rubens’ masterful use of line and form.
The artwork portrays the tragic moment of Adonis’ death, a subject drawn from classical mythology. The central figure of Adonis is depicted in a state of collapse, his body limp and expressions of anguish vividly captured by Rubens’ skilled hand. The use of dynamic lines and bold shadows creates a sense of motion and emotional intensity, which are hallmark traits of the Baroque style. The mythical narrative and dramatic depiction imbue the work with a sense of pathos and grandeur, characteristic of Rubens’ oeuvre and the mythological genre. Despite its modest size, the drawing commands attention through its powerful representation of mortality and the fleeting nature of beauty and life.
