Talk:Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time

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Cf. "What's Bred in the Bone" by Robertson Davies for discussion of the allegory of the painting - referred to in the novel as "The Allegory of Love".

Also features in one of her novels, but I forget which Johnbod 14:14, 8 February 2007 (UTC)[reply]

In The Nice and the Good, (1968) chapter 38.Nishidani (talk) 17:41, 23 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

By Venus's foot in the lower-right corner, there are two masks, male and female. Does anybody know what these are meant to represent? Lurlock 16:26, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's a good question; it's been such a long time since I studied this painting that I can't remember, but will have a look if I can. Maurice Brock has a theory (which I must admit I quite like, in general) that the mask is a recurring theme in Bronzino's work and represents both the import and the superficiality of appearance. In other words, he argues that during Bronzino's era people were more and more taken with the idea that life is but a theater—a series of presentations and postures that we put on for one another. The real meaning (or nature) lies hidden behind our masks, and might be discovered only through careful study. [At least I think that's what he argues; it's been a while since I read that too!] Isocephaly (talk) 20:27, 28 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Whoever wrote that has had 3 years to provide citations. None have been forthcoming. It contains, moreover, clear traces of WP:OR, with editorial judgemtns like 'bizarre' etc. If anyone can provide some grounds in the Bronzino specialist literature for this, by all means restore it, properly edited. The main objection is that such a distinguished painting has a large critical commentary on its possible allegorical meanings, and almost nothing is said of this mainstream. That is the priority.Nishidani (talk) 17:29, 23 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Even more bizarre is the subtle element of Venus's tongue; she appears to be on the verge of slipping it into Cupid's mouth.^{[citation needed]} This tiny detail was evidently the most scandalous aspect of all and at least one previous owner had it painted out over the years.^{[citation needed]} Cupid appears to be nearing adolescence—notably older than the cherubic Cupid who appears in other works, and edging into the age where he might be old enough to make love to his mother—while Venus is portrayed as a beautiful young woman in her twenties.^{[citation needed]} It has been suggested^[who?] that Venus' legs appear to be slightly spread, possibly to indicate she is ready to receive Cupid sexually. Venus is shown holding Cupid's arrow which perhaps implies that she is in control of their lovemaking.^{[citation needed]} As the couple seem on verge of a sexual tryst, they are also about to be showered from behind with rose petals by a naked boy, believed to represent jest, folly or pleasure.^[1] Another meaning that could be derived, would be through the detail of Cupid's hand on his mother's crown, as if to say Be careful of who you love, you never know if they have honorable intentions.{{Fact|date=September 2008|reason=who derives this meaning?}

• What clues are there to suggest this character is supposed to be female? -- 84.146.100.185 (talk) 18:15, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

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