Venus tracht Adonis te weerhouden van de jacht 1671 - 1732

Jacob Herreyns created this etching, "Venus tracht Adonis te weerhouden van de jacht," depicting Venus attempting to dissuade Adonis from hunting, sometime between 1643 and 1732. It is part of a larger artistic tradition rooted in classical mythology, which has often served as a canvas for exploring themes of love, desire, and power. Here, the narrative focuses on gendered power dynamics. Venus, the goddess of love, seeks to control Adonis’ actions, reflecting historical attitudes towards women's roles in relationships and society. The backdrop of the hunt introduces a class dimension, evoking the leisure and aristocratic pursuits of the time. Adonis’s readiness with spear in hand and hunting dogs by his side contrasts with Venus's ethereal and pleading pose. This etching invites us to consider the complexities of love and control, as well as the social structures and expectations that shape our understanding of these timeless themes.