Venus
1528
Dutch prodigy Lucas van Leyden was creating masterpieces before he could even shave, and this 1528 work proves his lasting skill just years before his early death. Here, Venus lounges comfortably on a bed of clouds, her hair blowing dramatically in the wind, while a cheeky cherub above unfurls a banner declaring her the 'most beautiful goddess of love' in French. Down below, another winged figure playfully handles a bow and arrow with her, hinting at the mischievous nature of romance. You can spot his signature 'L' and the date right in the center, marking this as a sophisticated piece from an artist who helped bring the Italian Renaissance style to the North.
- Technique
- Engraving
Views: 1