The Funeral of Adonis

The composition of this funeral ceremony, in which Venus dressed in a blue cloak and other Olympians, nymphs amoretti, bacchantes, satyrs and three Oriental men approach an altar, is inspired by the poetic epic Adonis by G.B. Marino (1569-1625). This canvas and the one next to it come from the collection of Count Berka of Dubá and were probably part of larger cycle of paintings. The Staatliche Graphische Sammlung in Munich, Germany, houses a preparatory wash drawing.