CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

Venus and Cupid

c. 1520
Wood
University Art Museum, Princeton

In this half life-sized painting from about 1520 the veil is not only related to the body of Venus in various ways but Cupid too is equipped with a veil which covers his eyes. Venus uses both hands to stretch the long narrow veil demonstratively across her body, directing our gaze to her breasts and pudendum. A delicate veil on Venus's diadem-crowned head completes the masking of her body. Cupid is so busy with his blindfold that he has to lay the burning torch on the ground and also hold his bow and arrow with one hand.




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