Venus and Cupid in a Landscape
Circle of Giorgione·c. 1505/1515
Historical Context
This Venus and Cupid in a landscape from the circle of Giorgione reflects the Venetian painter's revolutionary integration of the nude figure into atmospheric pastoral landscape — a synthesis that created the tradition of the reclining Venus in landscape that would continue through Titian, Velázquez, and Manet. Giorgione's few authenticated works generated enormous influence and numerous imitations.
Technical Analysis
The oil on panel demonstrates the soft, atmospheric qualities associated with Giorgione's circle, with warm tonal gradations and poetic integration of figure and landscape. The sfumato modeling and lyrical mood reflect the Giorgionesque pastoral vision.
Provenance
Contessa Falier, Asolo, Italy.[1] (Count Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, Florence and Rome); sold 1932 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York[2]; gift 1939 to NGA. [1] According to Kress records in NGA curatorial files. [2] See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/objects/2425.
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