Artwork

Venus Suckling Cupido

Venus Suckling Cupido, by Camillo Boccaccino, oil, 1532
Venus Suckling Cupido, by Camillo Boccaccino, oil, 1532

Venus Suckling Cupido is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Camillo Boccaccino. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the Pinacoteca di Brera.

About this work

Overview

Venus Suckling Cupido, created in 1532 by Italian painter Camillo Boccaccino, is an oil painting depicting a serene mythological scene. Characteristic of the Mannerist style, it showcases the artist's adherence to the period's aesthetic despite his limited and short-lived body of work.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Venus, nude with a draped pink cloth, tenderly cradling Cupido (Cupid) in a lush, peaceful forest setting. The scene conveys maternal nurturing and wonder, capturing an intimate moment between the goddess and the cherub.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work embodies Mannerist tendencies through its composition, the subjects' poses, and the contrast between the serene natural backdrop and the emotional intimacy of the foreground figures.

History & Provenance

Venus Suckling Cupido is part of the collection at the Pinacoteca di Brera, though specific details of its commission, early ownership, and how it came to the museum are not provided in the available information.

Context

Painted in 1532, the work reflects the artistic preferences of the early 16th century, aligning with the Mannerist movement's emphasis on emotional depth and complex poses within mythological themes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Camillo Boccaccino

Artist

Camillo Boccaccino

Camillo Boccaccino (Italian: ; 1511 – 4 January 1546) was an Italian painter and draughtsman, active mainly in Cremona and the region of Lombardy who painted in a Mannerist style.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Pinacoteca di Brera open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.