Venus en Cupido
ca. 1681 - ca. 1688
Medium
paper
Dimensions
266; 192
About this artwork
collector's mark: Lugt 240
Art Historical Context
Venus en Cupido, created by Isaac Beckett around 1681–1688, presents the enduring mythological bond between the Roman goddess of love and her winged son. Executed on paper measuring 266 by 192 millimeters, the work reflects the period’s fascination with classical subjects, which often appeared in European art to explore themes of affection, desire, and familial connection. Beckett’s choice of paper as a medium points to the growing popularity of prints and drawings in the late seventeenth century, allowing such imagery to reach wider audiences beyond painted canvases. The collector’s mark Lug...
About the Artist
Isaac Beckett · 1653–1719
Isaac Beckett (1653–1719) was an English mezzotint engraver who played a foundational role in establishing the art of mezzotint engraving in England. Along with Robert Williams, he was among the first native Englishmen to extensively practice this innovative printmaking technique, which had been developed in continental Europe. Born in Kent in 1653, Beckett's career spanned from 1681 to 1688, duri...