Venus
1532
Lucas Cranach the Elder was practically obsessed with painting Venus, producing dozens of versions throughout his career to satisfy his wealthy patrons. In this 1532 piece, she sports a remarkably high forehead—a major beauty trend of the time achieved by plucking the hairline back to elongate the face. She stands against a dramatic, dark background that makes her pale skin pop, casually toying with her long, wavy locks while wearing a fashionable red choker. It's a perfect example of how Cranach turned mythological goddesses into the stylish, slender pin-ups of the German Renaissance, blending classical themes with contemporary fashion.
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