Venus en Cupido 1671 - 1726

This drawing of Venus and Cupid was made by an anonymous artist. The pairing of Venus, the goddess of love, and her son Cupid, was a popular subject in European art, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In this simple sketch, the relationship between mother and child are in focus, and Venus is portrayed as a nurturing figure, guiding her son. But the image might also remind us how the classical tradition was transmitted in art academies. Through countless drawings and engravings, certain artistic conventions were perpetuated. The bodies are idealized, and the composition echoes classical sculpture. It can be difficult to find the artist's individual expression in images such as this. Art historians use inventories and archival documents to piece together the stories of forgotten artists. By looking at the cultural and institutional context, we can better understand the conditions that shaped their artistic production.