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Notes
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The masks at Venus’ feet suggest that she and Cupid exploit lust to mask deception. The howling figure on the left may be Jealousy; the boy scattering roses and stepping on a thorn could be Folly or Pleasure; the hybrid creature with the face of a girl, Fraud or Deceit. Winged Father Time battles with mask-like Oblivion to either reveal or conceal the scene.
The picture was probably sent to King Francis I of France as a gift from Cosimo I de' Medici, ruler of Florence, who employed Bronzino as a court painter.
Title
An Allegory with Venus and Cupid
Date
about 1545
Medium
Oil on wood
Measurements
H 146.1 x W 116.2 cm
Accession number
NG651
Acquisition method
Bought, 1860
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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