The mythological Venus and Adonis embrace in the foreground of this wooded landscape. Seated before a table laden with fruit, bread, and wine, Venus implores the young mortal—with whom she has fallen madly in love—to remain by her side. The dogs identify Adonis as a hunter and foretell his demise. Venus’ previous lover Mars, enraged by the loss of her affections, will send a wild boar to kill Adonis during the hunt. The story of Venus and Adonis is taken from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Mythological subjects allowed artists like Cornelis van Haarlem to depict large, nude figures within the conventions of decorum and incorporate knowledge of antique Greek and Roman sculpture—much like the one displayed nearby—into their work.