'Venus and Adonis' 1778

Curator: Here we have Francesco Bartolozzi’s "Venus and Adonis," an engraving from 1778, currently residing at the SMK. It has an aura of gentle melancholia, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely, there’s a wistful sweetness to it. The sepia tones give it a nostalgic, dreamlike quality. Is it just me, or do they seem…resigned? Not exactly the fiery passion I associate with Venus. Curator: Bartolozzi was a master of line and form, and he was really tapping into the Baroque interest in allegories and the representation of classical figures in dramatic landscapes. Look at the cascading lines of drapery around Venus. He evokes the symbolism of landscape to reflect on human experience. Editor: Symbolism is everywhere in this piece. Notice the presence of doves, which are classically associated with Venus. They are said to represent the goddess's tender feelings for Adonis, as well as the values of love and faithfulness that should govern romantic relations. But also, notice the contrast – Adonis looks a bit hesitant, no? Curator: Indeed. We know their love story is tinged with impending doom. Perhaps Bartolozzi intended to evoke a sense of foreboding; we see the hunt being symbolised behind them as their doom approaches. It’s that Baroque drama bubbling beneath the surface. This is Baroque dealing with real things. Editor: I keep getting drawn back to the composition. The oval format lends it an almost cameo-like intimacy, as if we're peeking into a secret moment, while they're surrounded by lush landscapes with Baroque theatrical flair. Even though its just two colours we get such dramatic composition! Curator: It is a beautiful study of longing, or an invitation to reflect on themes of beauty, loss, and fleeting love. The symbolism woven in adds layers to what seems at first like a simple mythological scene. Editor: Precisely. There’s so much wrapped into this little engraving.