Venus

Johann Ladenspelder

Associated Names
Johann Ladenspelder

Artist, German, 1512 - 1561 or after

The image shows a full-body depiction of a nude female figure seated on a chariot with one foot resting on a rotating sphere. Her head is turned towards the right side of the image. She has long flowing hair that is partially tied back, and her facial features are classically rendered with a serene expression. She is holding a long spear or stick in one hand. Above and to the right of the woman, a smaller, winged figure is depicted, drawing a bow. The background is finely detailed with line patterns radiating outward. The scene includes the word "FORTVNA" at the bottom and other text elements, including "VENVS" and "CUPID." A small balance scale is depicted floating near the female figure.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1950.1.87

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 63


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1990

  • Eva/Ave: Woman in Renaissance and Baroque Prints, NGA, 1990, no. 143, repro.

2000

  • Fortune: "All is But Fortune", The Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., 2000, no. 75.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1990

  • Russell 1990, cat.no.143.

Wikidata ID

Q65079630

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