Venus und Adonis 1637

'Venus und Adonis' was painted by Jusepe de Ribera using oil on canvas. Look closely at the paint and how Ribera has layered it. His loose brushwork and chiaroscuro technique build up the image, with light and shadow creating intense drama. While the process is rooted in traditions of panel painting and fresco, Ribera shows a painterly and innovative approach. It is through his handling of material that the scene comes alive. The canvas is animated by the rich red fabric draped over the body of Adonis. This element leads our eyes towards the pale flesh, and up to Venus who rushes down to him, her own fabrics billowing in a frenzy of grief. Ribera’s work has often been classified as within the high art tradition, but the sensuous surfaces of his paintings show how closely fine art practices are aligned to the skilled trades of cloth making. We should remember that the best art often comes from the deepest understanding of material properties.