The School of Love

Artwork: The School of Love (detail)

Artist: Correggio

Created: c.1525

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 155.6 x 91.4 cm

Location: National Gallery, London, UK

“Antonio Allegri da Correggio (c. 1449-1534) is perhaps one of the least-known master of the Italian Renaissance. The School of Love was painted for Federigo II Gonzaga, Lord of Mantua, and was one of six erotic works based on mythological themes. The figures are softly modeled in rosy tones of pure clear color, while his details of the foliage, for example, and the figures’ shining hair are exquisite. The painting itself does not represent a specific mythological event, but rather alludes to the themes of love and schooling. Venus and Mercury are seen with Cupid, instructing him in the way of love, but also appear as a tight family unit. The sensuous Venus combines the exotic and the demure, carefully looking away fro the viewer. Correggio’s work foresaw the delicate romantic appeal of eighteenth century Rococo art, and was greatly admired by artists touring Italy during the nineteenth century.” (TPbyd)

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