Venus

c. 1570/1598

Theodor de Bry, after Sebald Beham

Associated Names
Theodor de Bry

Artist, Flemish, 1528 - 1598

Sebald Beham

Artist After, German, 1500 - 1550

The image depicts a full-body view of an individual shown from the back, standing barefoot on a cloud. The person's body is slightly turned to the left, with their head also looking to the left, allowing a profile view of their face. Their facial features are delicate, with closely cropped, curly hair that appears to be held by a thin band or net. The figure is wearing a draped garment that leaves their arms and part of their upper back exposed, and it flows gracefully around their legs. In their left hand, they hold a five-pointed star, and in the right hand, a three-pronged spear or staff. A serene-looking cow lies on the ground next to them. The background is filled with stylized clouds, and above the figure, a ribbon unfurls bearing the inscription "VENVS." At the bottom of the image, the words "VOLUPTATUM PAREN" are inscribed.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1139

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 27


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1901

  • Pauli, Gustav. Hans Sebald Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche, Radierungen und Holzschnitte. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte_ 33. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1901: no. 1368.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1951 (Vol. IV): no. 27.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Sebald Beham, Anne Röver-Kann, author). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2024: no. R13.

Wikidata ID

Q64961708

You may be interested in

Loading Results