Amor Kissing Venus 1700 - 1725

Adriaen van der Werff painted this oil on canvas, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicting Venus being kissed by Amor. The allegorical figures central to classical mythology are here, with all their cultural baggage. The motif of Amor kissing Venus takes us back to ancient Greece, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was often depicted with Eros. This intimate gesture embodies a powerful, almost primordial connection between mother and son, love and desire. Think of the countless Renaissance paintings where a similar embrace signifies divine love. Yet, look closer! The innocent kiss carries echoes of deeper, more complex relationships found in the works of masters like Botticelli. The image of a goddess receiving affection transcends time, resurfacing in various forms across cultures. It is a cyclical return, isn't it? From ancient sculptures to neoclassical paintings, the motif evolves, adapting to new cultural landscapes, yet always retaining that spark of primal emotion.