Venus en Amor c. 1682 - 1748

This is a sculpture entitled 'Venus en Amor' made by Cornelius Andreas Donett, a Dutch artist who died in 1748. It depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love, with her son Cupid, a fusion of innocence and potential mischief. But what does a classical subject, revived in the Netherlands, tell us about society at the time? Well, the Dutch Republic was a major center for art production during the 17th and 18th centuries. Sculpture, however, was less popular than painting, and largely confined to public buildings and private gardens. This piece likely served a decorative function, possibly as a garden ornament for a wealthy family. The choice of subject reflects the influence of classical antiquity on European art and culture, with Venus representing ideal beauty, love, and fertility. The style is typical of the late Baroque period, characterized by dramatic movement and emotional intensity. Historians consult a range of sources, including archival records, period literature, and art criticism to provide a comprehensive historical context.