Venus and Cupid , Xavier JL

 Italian and Northern Renaissance




Venus and Cupid

Lorenzo Lotto

1520s

Oil on canvas


I chose to present this piece because I think it represents well the art movement we saw in Italy during the renaissance. In that era, the beauty of human and realism was put up front. In this piece, Lorenzo Lotto really showed the beauty of the human body, most specifically the woman and drew the body with realistic proportions and forms. She is seen laying on the ground in a wealthy set and background and her status of goddess is well shown. Since Venus is a goddess, this could be seen as the representation of a perfect human body according to societal norms at the time of the painting. There is a wide range of color that is used in this painting which adds detail and warmness to the piece. It is also very easy to observe the emotions of both Cupid and Venus. Venus appears serene, confident and seductive. On the other hand, Cupid has a mischievous expression, reflecting his role as a love-inducing entity. The contrast in their expressions adds depth to the narrative and allows us to interpret the relationship between the two characters.



Personal opinion


 I do believe this is a beautiful piece, but I wouldn't personally keep a copy of it. I think the historic meaning of it is way more important and i t would look great in a museum even though it is not presented anywhere at this time.



Humanism in the piece


Humanism placed a strong emphasis on the worth, dignity and beauty of the human body and individual. In "Venus and Cupid," Venus is depicted as a central figure, showing confidence and elegance. She represents the beauty and power of femininity, embracing the humanist ideals of individual expression . By portraying Venus in a positive and empowering light, Lotto aligns with humanist notions of celebrating the individual and their unique qualities.



Work cited


The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Venus and Cupid." The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436918. 



"Religious Humanism." Oxford Bibliographies, Oxford University Press, 3 November 2010, www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195399301/obo-9780195399301-0002.xml. 

Comments

  1. Lesa SearsJune 19, 2023 at 2:21 PM

    I had to laugh at this painting. You point out Cupid has a mischievous expression but do not say he is peeing on Venus. Do you know why Cupid is peeing on Venus? According to the Web Gallery of Art, a urinating child was augury of good fortune. (“Venus and Cupid by LOTTO, Lorenzo)

    I love the bold red and blue colored background that brings out the soft porcelain bodies of Venus and Cupid, making them appear more like Gods.

    “Venus and Cupid by LOTTO, Lorenzo.” Web Gallery of Art, https://www.wga.hu/html_m/l/lotto/5/13venus.html. Accessed 19 June 2023.

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  2. Ella GoldsteinJune 19, 2023 at 5:32 PM

    This blog post made me smile! I love how you point out the realistic and "perfect" female body. It is very refreshing because in today's world we are told to look a rather unrealistic way. I agree that I would not own this piece, but love the history and implications behind it. I think your connection to Humanism is spot on, especially where you said the beauty and power portrayed by Venus is a big part of the Humanist ideals. I looked this piece up because I was curious about the relationship between Venus and Cupid, and found that Cupid peeing on her symbolizes something good, like fertility.

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  3. R PilchJune 21, 2023 at 12:59 AM

    As a mother, being peed on by your child is realism at its finest. Lotto used Venus and Cupid on with depicting Roman Gods however, I read that is the face of Venus could be the face of the bride as this was intended as a wedding gift. There is a hint of a natural landscape behind the subjects, but it also incorporates a cloth draped cloth in a bold red as to contrast the subjects but not overwhelm the painting and keep your focus on the subjects.

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