Venus und Cupido

This second Venus and Cupid composition from around 1700 represents Ricci's early engagement with mythological subjects at the start of his career's international phase. The subject was ubiquitous in aristocratic collections of the period, combining erotic appeal with classical legitimacy. Ricci's early mythological works show his debt to the great Venetian tradition — Titian, Veronese, Giordano — while introducing lighter, more decorative qualities that would mature in his later production. The German title suggests this work entered a German or Austrian collection, reflecting Ricci's widespread appeal north of the Alps.

The composition follows a standard Venetian type, with Venus reclining and Cupid beside or above her. Ricci's early palette tends toward richer, deeper tones than his mature work, with more pronounced shadow contrasts.