Toilet van Venus 1851

Julien-Léopold Boilly created this print called ‘Toilet van Venus.’ The artwork offers a glimpse into the visual culture of 19th-century France, reflecting a society grappling with shifting social norms in the wake of revolution. Here we see the classical subject of Venus attended by cupids, but rendered with a playful, almost irreverent touch. Boilly seems to be asking us, what does it mean to depict idealized beauty? The cupids engage in all sorts of activities, from adorning Venus to playing musical instruments. Their presence complicates the idea of beauty and desire. They are not just symbols of love but also active participants in the construction of femininity. This relates to current conversations around consent and agency. What I find most striking about this print is its ability to be simultaneously celebratory and critical of the idealized female form. It invites us to reflect on our own cultural values and desires.