Ovaal medaillon met Adonis en Venus onder een boom c. 1610 - 1615

Antoine Jacquard created this oval medallion depicting Adonis and Venus under a tree sometime between 1620 and 1650. This engraving is steeped in the visual language of its time, reflecting both classical mythology and the social mores of the 17th century. Here, Venus and Adonis are framed by a decorative border featuring winged figures and lush foliage, but it’s the underlying themes of love, beauty, and mortality that resonate. Consider how gender roles are depicted: Venus, the goddess of love, is often portrayed as the active pursuer, while Adonis embodies youthful beauty and is the object of her affection. Their tragic love story, ending in Adonis' untimely death, invites us to consider the fleeting nature of beauty. The detailed engraving not only showcases Jacquard's technical skill but also invites reflection on how these enduring stories shape our understanding of desire, loss, and the human condition.