The Death of Adonis, Giovanni-Martino dei Boni, after Antonio Canova, 1800

The Death of Adonis, Giovanni-Martino dei Boni, after Antonio Canova, 1800

etching, stipple etching, and engraving, h 515mm × w 793mm More details

This print and the adjacent pendant represent two marble reliefs, which are now in the Museo Canova in Possagno. Depicted is the goddess Venus swooping down upon her beloved Adonis. The young mortal has just been killed while hunting and is mourned by his dogs, several nymphs, and the god of love Cupid. The interplay of light and shadow lend the print an extraordinary sense of depth.