Workshop Of Lambert Sustris (1515-1520 -about 1584), Venus And Love Spied On By A Satyr

Workshop of Lambert Sustris (1515-1520 -about 1584)

Venus and Love spied on by a satyr

Oil on panel, cm 24 x 32

With frame, cm 41 x 49

The tablet described here, attributable to the workshop of Lambert Sustris, portrays a subject of mythological character very dear to private clients of the sixteenth century, as can well testify the works made by contemporary artists for the collections and residences of noble and rich families both Italian and foreign. The protagonist figure is that of Venus, accompanied by the little son Cupid, both referring to the erotic and sensual universe, almost completely naked on a bed where they had slept; to disturb their sleep intervenes a satyr, perhaps the same god Pan, that discreetly looks over the red curtain starting to pull the white sheet that covers the intimacy of the goddess. The atmosphere could be interpreted as a mythological representation of the pleasures of carnal love, although some parts of the work leave room for further reflection: to the desire, earthly and irrational, satiro seems to screen the action of Cupid, thrown towards the silence to prevent him from pulling the curtain and the sheet further; moreover, the arrows of love of the god are far away, placed next to the bed, and the goddess herself turns her gaze away from the unwanted visitor. This opposition between desire and modesty is one of the recurring themes among "bedroom" paintings, intended for the strictly private environments of stately homes and often characterized by themes of erotic content, for the delight of the landlord.