Venus blindfolding Cupid

This beautiful painting is part of the production of the Ligurian sculptor and painter Luca Cambiaso. The artist was one of the protagonists of the Genoese mannerism, and worked in the field of altarpieces and magnificent fresco decorations required for the palaces of the Genoese aristocracy. His production also includes profane scenes which, like this one, bore an explicit erotic meaning. This painting is a masterpiece of ambiguity, conveyed by the subtle game played by the characters' expressions. In fact, the complicit face of Cupid, blindfolded by Venus, responds to the Goddess' sharp and naughty gaze.