| Artist | Paolo Veronese |
|---|---|
| Year | 1580 |
| Type | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 212 cm × 191 cm (83 in × 75 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
Venus and Adonis is a painting by the Italian late Mannerist artist Paolo Veronese, executed in 1580. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
The current painting's size derives from a 18th century restoration, which removed lateral sectors which gave it, originally, a horizontal format.
The painting's subject is taken from Ovid.
It portrays the hunter Adonis sleeping in Venus' lap. In front of her is Eros, with a sighthound. Cupid is portrayed while trying to quench the dog's desire to hunt, as Venus had forecast that Adonis would die during a hunt.
In the background is a lively landscape, with a green- and blueshaded sky.