BRONZINO, Agnolo
(b. 1503, Firenze, d. 1572, Firenze)

Venus, Cupid and Envy

1548-50
Oil on poplar panel, 192 x 142 cm
Szépművészeti Múzeum, Budapest

This painting is a variant on Bronzino's Venus, Cupid and Time in London, the major allegorical work of his mature years. The Budapest painting, slightly larger than the London picture, is also an allegory of Venus and Cupid, who play with his bow and arrows, and Venus is also set against a light blue drapery, on which lie two masks symbolizing deceit.