Mirror: Venus Mourning the Dead Adonis 1600 - 1635

This small, octagonal enamel mirror depicting the myth of Venus mourning the death of Adonis was created by Suzanne de Court, a prominent artist of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The detailed, miniature enamel painting, with its vibrant colors and elaborate ornamentation, was created in the Limoges style, a distinctive technique that produced highly valued works for wealthy collectors. The scene shows Venus, the Roman goddess of love, cradling the body of Adonis, who was killed by a wild boar. The mirror, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents a testament to de Court's artistic virtuosity and the exquisite artistry of Limoges enamels.