Venus with Adonis and Cupid, Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome 1654–1727)

Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome 1654–1727)

Venus with Adonis and Cupid

Oil on canvas (41 x 49 cm. – With frame 58 x 65 cm.)

Full details (click HERE)

The pleasing subject of the painting exhibited here is taken from several classical sources, among them the poem Metamorphoses, in which the Latin poet Ovid narrates the passion between Venus, goddess of beauty and love, and the handsome young mortal Adonis.

Madly in love with her beloved, thanks to the help of an arrow shot by Cupid, the goddess decided to follow the handsome hunter in his hunting activity, no longer paying attention to the ornaments of her charm and her usual occupations.

Although Venus continually urged him to be careful while hunting, one day the proud Adonis unfortunately met his death, wounded in the leg by a wild boar.

The canvas does not depict the tragic epilogue of the story but rather the moments preceding it, with Adonis determined to leave despite the languid embrace of Venus and Cupid who tries in vain to hold him back. The goddess is represented here in a classical way, half naked with only a cloth laid down to cover her pubis.

The painting, of particular quality and beauty, is part of the production of the early eighteenth century in Rome and, in particular, is traditionally attributed to Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari (Rome 1654 –1727), or for scruple to an author active within his prolific workshop.

This is a typical composition of his, exhibiting a measured balance and a majestic classicism, where the influences absorbed by Carlo Maratti, of whom he was a pupil in Rome, are evident.

Upon the death of the master in 1713, he became his official heir, both in terms of close correspondence in pictorial methods and for the success he achieved among the great Roman collectors. Already highly appreciated around the end of the seventeenth century, Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari established himself as a painter of the most influential families: we recall the prestigious commissions for the Barberini (two ceiling frescoes depicting the Chariot of the Sun and The Birth of Pindar in their palace) and for the Colonna (a ceiling with the apotheosis of Marcantonio II Colonna).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.

Contact us, without obligation, to receive any further information.

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