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The Rokeby Venus
The painting 'The Rokeby Venus' is the only surviving nude female portrait painted by Diego Velázquez. It depicts the goddess of love Venus lying on a bed with her back to the viewer, looking into a mirror held by Cupid – her son. The work is distinguished by the subtle use of the mirror creating the illusion that Venus is looking at herself, while her face is reflected towards the viewer. The painting was likely created during the artist's visit to Italy.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Diego Velázquez
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Date of birth and death
Baptised on 6 June 1599 – Died 6 August 1660
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Natinality
Spanish
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Style
Baroque
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Significant works
The Surrender of Breda, Rokeby Venus, Portrait of Innocent X, Las Meninas, Las Hilanderas
Information about the work
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Year:
1644-1648
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
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Theme:
mythology, female nude, Venus
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The painting contemplates the theme of beauty and sensual love, while using the enigmatic mirror effect that provokes reflection on perception and identification.
The key to interpreting the work
It is important to pay attention to the composition, the 'Venus effect', subtle chiaroscuro and the relationship between the figures and the viewer, as well as the cultural context of 17th-century Spain and Italy.See other works by this artist
The Virgin appearing to St Ildephonsus and giving him a robe
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Year: 1620
