Venus and Adonis by Laurent Pécheux - Lyon France

This painting of Venus and Adonis (1766) is by Laurent Pécheux and located at the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon. The painting is typical of the Rococo-to-Neoclassical transition, blending mythological themes with elegant, sensual presentation. It depicts Venus,, with Adonis, a beautiful mortal youth. According to the myth, as retold in Ovid's Metamorphosis, Venus falls in love with Adonis and tries to keep him from hunting, fearing for his safety. Tragically, he later dies from a boar attack, this is often interpreted as a parable about the dangers of youthful recklessness and the inevitability of fate.

In this work Venus is shown reclining on draped fabrics, reaching out to Adonis, who holds a spear and seems poised to depart for the hunt. Several other figures, nymphs, appear in the background. A quiver, dogs, and cupids also populate the scene, enhancing the mythological context.