Venus beweent de dode Adonis 1561

This drawing by Bernaert de Rijckere, titled "Venus beweent de dode Adonis" (Venus mourns the dead Adonis), depicts the Greek myth of the hunter Adonis who was killed by a wild boar while hunting. The scene is set in a forest, where Venus, the goddess of love, laments Adonis' death. This drawing is a fine example of the Flemish Renaissance style, known for its detailed renderings of figures and landscapes. The use of brown ink provides a sense of depth and emotion to the scene, further amplifying the sense of tragedy. This depiction of classical mythology was a popular subject for artists during this period, resonating with a broad audience interested in history and literature.