The Lovers
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia. |
| Location History: | Nowadays, it is kept in the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg (Russia). It is unclear what its original location and ownership was, as the history is not completely known. It might have been ordered by Federico Gonzaga, who was famous for his penchant on erotic art. The painting was purchased by Johann Friedrich Reiffenstein from the London dealer Thomas Jenkins and came to the collection of Catherine the Great. It was originally painted on a wooden panel, but in 1834 this was transferred to canvas by the restorer A. Mitrokhin. Due to the sensitive material, it was not exhibited publicly for many years, and suffered from poor storage conditions, causing significant damage such as breaks in the canvas and loss of paint and varnish. It was only in 1920 that the painting was shown to the public at the Hermitage. The meaning of its composition and its title were altered numerous times over the years; the first catalogue called it Gallant Scene, the second Mars and Venus, and the third Alexander and Roxane. It's commonly referred to as The Lovers or Two Lovers today. |
This painting depicts a man and woman intimately engaged on a beautifully adorned bed within a lavish interior- creating a private and sensual atmosphere. The elaborately carved bed adds a playful classical element to the scene, reflecting Giulio Romano’s interest in classical art. An older woman watching through the partly closed doorway adds mystery and suggests that the couple’s encounter is private or secretive. Small details such as the cat, dog, keys, ring and scattered clothing make the setting feel domestic and personal. The painting’s sensual subject and classical influence connect it with Giulio Romano’s erotic works of the 1520s, while the private setting suggests that it was intended for a wealthy patron. The painting combines Renaissance interest in the human body and classical culture with intimacy, secrecy and private desire.