RUBENS, Peter Paul
(b. 1577, Siegen, d. 1640, Antwerpen)

Venus Frigida

1614
Oil on wood, 142 x 184 cm
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp

The lyricism, eloquence and sensuality that characterise his entire oeuvre are already apparent in Rubens' mythological compositions of 1600-1620. These are often vigorous, earthy works, such as the Venus Frigida. This painting depicts the proverb 'Hunger and thirst cool love's ardour' (Sine cerero et libero friget Venus).