Plate 10: Venus in a niche, standing on a conch shell, with Cupid to her right, from "Mythological Gods and Goddesses" 1526

This engraving by Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio, created in 1526, depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Standing on a conch shell within a niche, she holds a pose that evokes both power and vulnerability. At her side, Cupid, the god of love, holds his bow and arrow, emphasizing Venus's dominion over the realm of romance. Caraglio's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that plays with light and shadow, gives the image a sense of depth and realism. This print is a testament to the Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and its enduring power to inspire artists.