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

The exquisite engraving Venus and Cupid Pleading Their Cause in the Presence of Jupiter and Other Gods was created by the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560) between 1530 and 1540. This complex print reflects a sophisticated artistic lineage, having been executed by the Die after a design attributed to the Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, who, in turn, drew inspiration from the monumental compositions of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael. This layering of influence highlights the interconnected nature of Renaissance workshops spanning Italy and Northern Europe. The work is executed in warm brown ink on fine ivory laid paper, which has been stabilized with a tissue backing.

Classified as a print, this piece is a prime example of the market for reproductive prints that flourished during the mid-sixteenth century, allowing influential compositions to be widely disseminated. The subject, drawn directly from classical mythology, depicts the Goddess of Love and her son presenting their case before Jupiter, King of the Gods, and an assembled court of deities who occupy a dramatic, cloud-filled celestial setting. The Master of the Die excelled at translating complex narratives into detailed engravings, using precise line work and cross-hatching to define the muscular forms and voluminous drapery that characterize the High Renaissance style. This seminal work is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing to the institute's extensive holdings of historical prints. Today, the composition is part of the public domain, reinforcing the historical reach of 16th-century Italian printmaking.