Venus and the Dead Adonis (recto); Sketches of Venus and the Dead Adonis; several sketches of kneeling and standing figures (verso) 1696 - 1770

This anonymous red chalk drawing, dated between 1696 and 1770, depicts the mythological scene of Venus mourning over the dead Adonis. The composition is dominated by the figure of Venus, who kneels dramatically over Adonis's body, her grief evident in her posture and facial expression. The inclusion of Cupid, the god of love, adds further symbolic weight to the scene, highlighting the tragic loss of love and beauty. The drawing is a preparatory sketch for a larger painting, evident in the loose and gestural lines. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this piece, a testament to the enduring power of classical mythology and the emotive force of artistic expression.