Venus with Cupid the Honey Thief
Original title: Venus with Cupid the Honey Thief
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder painted Venus with Cupid as the Honey Thief in oil on oak panel, dated around 1580–1620. The naked goddess, wearing only a red hat, holds a honeycomb while Cupid is surrounded by bees.
Description
Venus stands in the foreground, unclothed except for a red hat, presenting a honeycomb. Beside her is the winged Cupid, also naked and holding a comb, as bees crawl over his skin. Dense forest surrounds both figures; beyond it opens a landscape with mountains and a town. A Latin poem appears in the upper part of the picture. Light falling from the left sets the pale bodies against the dark foliage.
Context
The honey-thief motif comes from a poem by Theocritus and was often treated in the Renaissance. Cranach and his workshop produced several versions of this theme, which were highly prized. The dating around 1580–1620 falls after Cranach's death in 1553, suggesting workshop production or a later copy. The small format points to use in private collections.
Impact
The contrast between the delicate skin of the figures and the dark forest gives the picture both liveliness and elegance. Fine handling and luminous colours create a sensuous yet playful mood.
Technique
Executed in oil on oak panel, a technique typical of Cranach. The colours are applied in thin layers, producing a smooth surface and precise details. The texture of skin and clothing arises from careful brushwork.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)