Venus en Adonis 1830

Jean Ignace Isidore Gérard Grandville created this hand-colored lithograph titled 'Venus en Adonis'. Though undated, it reflects the social and political contexts of 19th-century France. Grandville was known for his satirical caricatures, often using anthropomorphic animals to critique society. Here, he reimagines the classical myth of Venus and Adonis, likely intending to humorously reflect on love, loss, and perhaps the foibles of the French aristocracy. Venus, depicted as a peasant woman, mourns over Adonis, who is surrounded by geese and farm animals, creating a comical juxtaposition of high art and low culture. It offers a window into the anxieties and values of the time, using parody to comment on class, gender roles, and cultural norms. Grandville’s work often blends fantasy with social commentary, making 'Venus en Adonis' both a humorous and thought-provoking piece that encourages us to consider the societal values it reflects and playfully distorts.