Artwork
Love in the Elysian Fields
Love in the Elysian Fields is a print by the Renaissance artist Giulio Bonasone. It dates from 1563 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Love in the Elysian Fields is a Renaissance engraving depicting Cupid's punishment for the suffering he inflicted through passion. The scene unfolds in the Elysian Fields, a realm for the virtuous dead.
Subject & Meaning
Cupid, bound to a tree, is beaten by Venus with a floral bouquet as retribution for the pain of love. Surrounding souls, victims of his pranks, observe with amusement. Inscribed verses hint at Cupid's inevitable escape back to the world.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases a style characteristic of the Renaissance revival of Hellenistic themes. Notably, the work may exhibit techniques akin to sfumato, though this is speculative without direct visual confirmation.
History & Provenance
Created during the Renaissance, this work revives a popular subject from Hellenistic art and literature, highlighting the period's fascination with classical themes.
Context
The piece reflects Renaissance interests in reviving and reinterpretating ancient Greek and Roman motifs, often with moral or philosophical undertones. The Elysian Fields setting adds a layer of classical depth.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giulio Bonasone (c. 1498 – after 1574) (or Giulio de Antonio Buonasone or Julio Bonoso) was an Italian painter and engraver born in Bologna. He possibly studied painting under Lorenzo Sabbatini, and painted a Purgatory…
