A série of four silver plaquettes
Melted and carved silver
Unmarked, Low countries, circa 1680
Despicting the life of Aphrodite
Diameter 12 cm
Provenance
Collection Buismans, Netherlands
Description
APHRODITE AND ADONIS IN A LANDSCAPE, ACCOMPANIED BY EROS
The source for this composition is a rectangular plaquette by Paul van Vianen, representing Artemis and Endymion, dating from 1600-1610 (Hermitage Museum).
The moment represented is probably the one mentioned in Ovid's Metamorphoses (Book X). The two lovers, tired from hunting, rest in the shade of a tree and Aphrodite takes the opportunity to tell Adonis about legends.
THE EDUCATION OF EROS. HERMES, EROS AND APHRODITE IN A LANDSCAPE
This iconography illustrates Eros' education by Hermes, a wise connoisseur.
The composition comes from a painting from 1525 by Corrège (London, National Gallery), certainly known in the northern regions by prints.
APHRODITE AND ARES ENLACES IN A LANDSCAPE. IN THE BACKGROUND, HEPHAÏSTOS AT THE FORGE
Aphrodite, married to Hephaestus, falls in love with Ares. According to the legend, the husband discovered this relationship thanks to the intervention of Helios, a god who, by his privileged position in the sky, could spy on the encounters of the two lovers.
APHRODITE AND EROS IN A LANDSCAPE, WITH A NYMPH
The subject of this plaquette remains quite mysterious. On the right, Aphrodite seems to be offering flowers to a female character while Eros wields his bow.
