Venus triumphans
1910
Franz von Bayros was the 'bad boy' of Viennese illustration, famously banned from exhibiting for a while because his art was deemed too scandalous for polite society. In this 1910 sketch titled Venus triumphans, you can see his signature flair for the dramatic. The goddess of love floats dynamically through the air, sporting a massive, fashionable hat and holding a torch, while a cherub dangles precariously below her amidst swirling clouds of fabric and smoke. The loose, energetic lines suggest this was a study for a larger decorative piece, blending Symbolist themes with the curvy elegance of Art Nouveau. It’s a perfect snapshot of the decadent, turn-of-the-century Vienna that Bayros loved to depict.
- Technique
- Pencil and wash
Views: 1