Current knowledge
© The National Gallery, London NG 10
Antonio da Correggio
Venus with Mercury and Cupid ('The School of Love')
Current measurements:
155cm x 91cm
Date:
c.1525
Correggio’s amorous education was also one of the most expensive pictures at the Sale, valued at £800. It forms a pagan counterpoint to Raphael’s La Perla, both exemplifying the room’s theme of family and upbringing.
It came from the Mantua sale and along with the two previous works makes the wall – even for such a rich collection – an exceptional exhibition of Renaissance painterly opulence.
Van der Doort 1639
Antonio Correggio
Standing naked Venus, Mercury sitting teaching Cupid his lesson, almost life-size, full-length figures
Sale Inventory c.1649-51
Walpole Society reference (1972):