DISCOVERART

Cristofano Robetta

Allegory of Carnal Love

c. 1530
Engraving on ivory laid paper
30.2 × 20.8 cm (11.9 × 8.2 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Cristofano Robetta’s Allegory of Carnal Love depicts a scene of love and death in a friezelike composition, with two pairs of lovers in a triangle-like formation with a putto at each point. Standing at the far left of the scene is an enigmatic divine figure drawing in the bodies of the lovers closest to him with his sash. Is he, like the skull underfoot, a symbol of death, reminding the viewer of what lies in store?

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Cristofano Robetta

Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint JohnVirgin and Child with the Infant Saint JohnAllegory of Carnal LoveAllegory of Carnal LoveAdoration of the MagiAdoration of the MagiAn Allegory of AbundanceAn Allegory of AbundanceThe Adoration of the MagiThe Adoration of the MagiThe Virgin and Child with Saint John and Three AngelsThe Virgin and Child with Saint John and Three AngelsAdam and Eve with Infants Cain and AbelAdam and Eve with Infants Cain and AbelAdam and Eve with the Infants Cain and AbelAdam and Eve with the Infants Cain and Abel

More like this

Allegory of the Power of Love, with a man at center embracing a semi-naked woman, who is bound to a tree by CupidCristofano di Michele Martini (Il Robetta) — Allegory of theThree CaptivesJacopo de' Barbari — Three CaptivesAllegory of Carnal LoveCristofano Robetta (Italian, 1462–1534) — Allegory of CarnalThe Fall of Adam and EveHans Burgkmair (German, 1473–1531) — The Fall of Adam and EvMars, Venus and CupidMarcantonio Raimondi — Mars, Venus and CupidBattle of the Naked MenAntonio Pollaiuolo — Battle of the Naked MenThe Judgment of ParisLucas Cranach the Elder — The Judgment of ParisThe Bacchanal with a Wine VatDaniel Hopfer, I — The Bacchanal with a Wine VatThe Judgment of ParisLucas Cranach the Elder — The Judgment of ParisSaint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, and Saint RochJean Duvet — Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, and Saint RochSaint SebastianMaster I.B. with the Bird — Saint SebastianAdam and Eve (copy)Jan (Johannes) Wierix|Albrecht Dürer — Adam and Eve (copy)