Venus and Adonis 1520 - 1582

"Venus and Adonis" is a 16th-century engraving by Giorgio Ghisi, depicting the Roman goddess Venus pleading with Adonis, a mortal man, to stay with her and not hunt. This iconic scene, set in a lush forest, features two cupids and Adonis' hunting dogs, adding to the dramatic narrative. Ghisi masterfully captures the emotional tension between Venus and Adonis, their gestures and expressions revealing their conflicting desires. The delicate details and the intricate lines of the engraving showcase the artist's virtuosity in this classical subject matter.