Statue of the Young Adonis at Wrest Park

This sculpture captures the moment when the young god Adonis leaves his lover Venus. Cupid is poised ready to release a dove, a symbol of love departing. The statue was made by John Cheere, a major manufacturer of lead statues in 18th-century London. It is thought to have been part of his remaining stock auctioned off at his death in 1787. It was brought to Wrest Park in about 1839.