Venus Placing a Garland on the Head of Adonis

This work was never executed in marble. This fascinating group portrays a pleasant harmony in the movement of the bodies. The arms of the two youngsters close in an arc holding a small crown of flowers. Adonis is sitting down and looks at the girl with surprise and gratitude. Venus rests her head softly on the youngster’s knees and admires his beauty. The bodies are naked as requested by statuary art but in this work as well as in the others one does not note any improper sentiment. Indeed, in Canova’s works the sublime and idealized beauty refines the senses and elevates the soul thus grasping the perfection of the bodies and a serene and playful spiritual composure.