Artwork Page for Love in the Elysian Fields

Details / Information for Love in the Elysian Fields

Love in the Elysian Fields

1563

Giulio Bonasone

(Italian, c. 1510–after 1576)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1926.433
Catalogue raisonné
Bartsch XV.139.101 ; Massari 185
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

In this engraving Cupid is shown being punished by those he tormented, a popular subject of Hellenistic art and literature revived in the Renaissance. Bound to a tree in the Elysian Fields, a dwelling place for the virtuous dead, Cupid is watched by the laughing souls of lovers as Venus descends from the sky to beat him with a bouquet of flowers in retribution for the great pain that passion often inflicts. According to the verses on the rock at left, after being whipped Cupid will be set free to escape again "to this world where he triumphs over us."
A horizontally oriented engraving in black ink depicts a landscape teeming with nude figures. At upper left, a woman floats upon a cloud; at upper right, a small winged child flies. On the right, a winged man is bound to a tree. Numerous figures stand and recline in groups, including a woman in the center foreground. A dense block of text sits in the lower left corner amidst finely shaded trees and hills.

Love in the Elysian Fields

1563

Giulio Bonasone

(Italian, c. 1510–after 1576)
Italy, 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork