The Venetian master Titian alone left behind an exquisite oeuvre of paintings.
One of his best-known masterpieces is called theVenus of Urbino.
Depicting a female nude figure in an intimate indoor setting, this work is immediately striking.
Titian, “Venus of Urbino,” 1538 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Instead of being embarrassed about her nakedness, the woman stares directly at the viewer.
Here, we will learn more about the creation ofVenus of Urbinoand some of its different interpretations.
Who was Titian?
Titian, “Self-Portrait,” circa 1562 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Titian achieved equal success toMichelangeloand even obtained the Freedom of the City when he visited Rome in 1546.
She does not appear ashamed of her nudity and instead stares directly at the viewer.
The identity of this figure is unknown but is possibly based on a courtesan or mistress.
Titian, Detail of “Venus of Urbino,” 1538 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
In the painting, however, the woman is representative ofideal female beauty.
We, as the viewers, are invited into her home, where she is lying on the bed.
This, and Venus’s nudity, imbue the work with eroticism.
Giorgione (background attributed to Titian), “Dresden Venus,” 1508 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
It is assumed that they are collecting clothing for Venus to wear.
Instead, there are a couple of different interpretations used to view the work.
The painting was completed four years later, possibly when the couple finally consummated their marriage.
Guidobaldo was the one who eventually acquired the painting, resulting in the nameVenus of Urbino.
Exploring the Ancient Technique of Painting on Plaster
Titian, Detail of “Venus of Urbino,” 1538 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Titian, Detail of “Venus of Urbino,” 1538 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Édouard Manet, “Olympia,” 1863 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
