# Portrait of a Couple as Venus and Adonis

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/merck-jacob-fransz-van-der-rd8588f6d9da8a5/portrait-of-a-couple-as-venus-and-adonis-rd0a5f3ccd35f18>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [MERCK, Jacob Fransz. van der](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/merck-jacob-fransz-van-der-rd8588f6d9da8a5>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on canvas, 192 x 224 cm

## Commentary

In this life-size work the painter presents his patrons as Venus and Adonis. Mythological subjects, such as the courtship of Venus and Adonis, became popular in the Northern Netherlands at the end of the 16th century. Though the sitters of this painting are unknown, the impressive format of the work signifies their considerable wealth and status.

## Related artworks

- [Parrots](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/merck-jacob-fransz-van-der-rd8588f6d9da8a5/parrots-r17fe0d9e5f8ead>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)