Of love, art, and Italy- have they not always gone so well together? Perhaps nothing can demonstrate this more than the Art and Love In Renaissance Italy exhibit currently showing at New York’s Metropolitan Museum. The exceptional compilation of approximately 150 art objects and paintings, dating from approximately the 15th to the 16th century, are depictions created to celebrate love and marriage. Of these, betrothal, marriage, and the birth of a child are the most significant.

The exhibit features jewellery, marriage portraits and paintings that celebrate love and fertility. Among these is the Metropolitan’s Venus and Cupid by Lorenzo Lotto (above), a delicate piece of art that weaves the Venetian bridal tiara and a urinating Cupid, symbol of fertility. The art resonates with many contemporary concerns, such as the extravagance of weddings and the price tag that comes with these lavish celebrations. Leonardo Bruni wrote to Poggio Bracciolini on the occasion of his marriage in 1412: ‘It is unbelievable how much is spent on these new weddings…’ A remark which many couples today can very much empathize with.

The exhibit is split in three sections: Celebrating Betrothal, Marriage and Childbirth. One of the unique features on display are showstopping maioliche, which are Italian tin-glazed pottery dating from the Renaissance period (left). Maioliche were given as wedding gifts and were often beautifully decorated with narratives or portraits, along with Venetian glassware, jewellery, and gilded boxes. Another unusual pieces featured are painted cassonis, a type of chest dating from the late Middle Ages.

The most erotic section of the exhibit is Profane Love, which focuses on scandalous drawings, prints, and various other objects. This section features some of the most celebrated artists of the time, including Parmigianino and Giulio Romano, as well as Botticelli, Cesare Vecellio, and Titian. Now, if there could only be chocolate with all this Italian love and art!

The exhibit runs from now until February 16th 2009, and is located on the 2nd floor of the Museum within the Special Exhibition Galleries.

Top image courtesy of Metmuseum.org