The artwork “Venus and Adonis” by Peter Paul Rubens is an oil painting on panel, dating from around 1614. It measures 83 by 91 centimeters and belongs to the Baroque period. This mythological painting is part of the collection held at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork vividly captures a scene from classical mythology, focusing on the figures of Venus, the goddess of love, and Adonis, her mortal lover. Venus is depicted embracing Adonis in an attempt to dissuade him from going on a hunt, as forewarned by her swan-drawn chariot seen toppled in the background with Cupid trying to right it. Despite her pleading, Adonis seems determined, his posture upright, with a spear in one hand and a hunting horn over his shoulder, indicative of his eagerness to pursue the dangerous activity.
In the background, a tranquil and idyllic landscape opens, suggesting the beauty and calmness of nature in contrast to the tension of the foreground. A sense of foreboding is introduced through the presence of the baying hounds and the watchful gaze of an alert stag, hinting at the tragic fate awaiting Adonis. The dynamism of the composition, the sensuous richness of flesh tones, and the contrast of emotions captured between the characters are hallmarks of Rubens’ dramatic Baroque style.
