Venus and Cupid Pleading Their Cause in the Presence of Jupiter and Other Gods

The influential 16th-century Italian printmaker known as the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560) created the engraving Venus and Cupid Pleading Their Cause in the Presence of Jupiter and Other Gods between 1530 and 1540. This print is a fascinating example of Renaissance artistic transmission, rendered after a composition by Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, which in turn derived inspiration from the High Renaissance master Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael. Executed in warm brown ink on cream laid paper, this work showcases the intricate detail possible through the engraving technique.

The piece illustrates a classical mythological narrative, placing Venus and her son Cupid before Jupiter, king of the gods, and the assembled Olympian deities to argue their position. This type of mythological print, common in 16th-century Italy, served as a crucial method for disseminating important compositions, like those by Raphael and his circle, across Europe. The Master of the Die was renowned for translating complex figural arrangements into highly detailed, collectible prints. Although the original source composition has undergone transformation across several hands, Die’s skillful handling of line maintains the classical grandeur associated with the Raphaelesque style. This significant example of Italian prints is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, a work now often available in the public domain for study and reference.