Lucas Cranach "the Elder" - Venus with Cupid (1509)


The Venuses of Cranach are many, all hieratic and statuary. Reminiscent of classical statues, these are polychrome.
The black Caravaggesque background brings out the shapes; the taste, however, is from the north, you see, the shadows are missing. Cranach's sensuality is demure but strong, with minimal chastity.
Little Cupid has a coral necklace, red like love and a symbol of passion and pain. Venus seems to want to block it, aware that it is better that that arrow does not hit anyone by chance.

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