Venus Surrounded by Cupids
1787
Giovanni Battista Cipriani brings classical mythology to life in this playful scene where Venus, the goddess of love, reclines while being pampered by a chaotic swarm of cherubic cupids. One mischievous little angel crowns her with flowers while another brandishes a torch, hinting at the fiery nature of love itself. Created in 1787 during the height of Neoclassicism, this piece was actually an engraving by the famous Francesco Bartolozzi based on Cipriani's drawing, helping to spread this elegant Italian style across England. The delicate cross-hatching gives the soft skin of the figures a surprisingly tactile feel, making the scene feel both divine and delightfully human.
- Technique
- engraving
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