page_title: Massimiliano Soldani Benzi
hierarchical_section_title: Massimiliano Soldani Benzi
caption_attribution_description: English: In this subject taken from ancient Greco-Roman mythology, the beautiful hunter Adonis, mortally wounded by a wild boar, is mourned by his lover Venus, goddess of love. The tragedy is rendered with great delicacy and concentrates on the intimate moment of the last farewell. Heightened emotion is imaginatively conveyed by the turbulence of the fluttering drapery and the inherent instability of the angle at which the body rests. Superb craftsmanship in the final chasing of the surface creates rich textures and details. The composition often parallels with the artist's "Dead Christ Mourned by the Virgin" (Walters 54.1066). Soldani, who was employed by the Medici court in Florence, often designed elaborate bases for his works. This exceptional example features detailing with a hunting motif and an inscription in Latin, reading "Through love, I may resurrect," alluding to the transformation of the blood of the dying Adonis into red anemones.
context_page_description: Massimiliano Soldani or Massimiliano Soldani Benzi was an Italian baroque sculptor and medallist, mainly active in Florence. Born at Montevarchi, the son of a Tuscan cavalry captain, Soldani was employed by the Medici for his entire career.
context_section_description: Massimiliano Soldani or Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (15 July 1656 – 23 February 1740) was an Italian baroque sculptor and medallist, mainly active in Florence. Born at Montevarchi, the son of a Tuscan cavalry captain, Soldani was employed by the Medici for his entire career.
caption: Adonis Mourned by Venus and Cupids (circa 1715)
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