James Barry
, Irish, 1741-1806
Title
The Death of AdonisDatec.1775
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
100 x 126 cm
Signedlower right: Ja.s Barry fec.t
Credit LinePresented, Mr and Mrs R. Field, 1959
Object numberNGI.1393
Label TextThis classical subject contrasts starkly with Barry's Temptation of Adam, exhibited four years earlier, in which the life-size characters dominate the composition. Here, smaller figures, illuminated from behind by the setting sun, serve as the focus of a compositional oval formed by trees. In the picture, Adonis, the courageous hunter, lies mortally wounded, having been bitten by a wild boar his hounds had roused from its lair. Venus, who heard his groans, has descended to the scene in her chariot, and supports Adonis's limp head on her knees.