Venus with Mercury and Cupid ('The School of Love')

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 c.1639

Antonio Correggio

Standing naked Venus, Mercury sitting teaching Cupid his lesson, almost life-size, full-length figures

Walpole Society reference (1960): 
WS 22, № 13
Measurements (Van der Doort): 
5ft 1in x 3ft (154.9 x 91.4cm)
Medium: 
canvas
Frame: 
gilded carved frame
Provenance: 
Mantua Piece
Room description extended: 
Also called the Square Table Room
Original Manuscript page number: 
MS. Ash. 1514, f. 30
Other inventories: 
Mantua 1627, no. 673 (100 scudi, 600 lire)
Identification certainty: 
Identified