Venus en haar gevolg in het water 1732 - 1780

This etching by French artist Pierre Etienne Moitte, titled *Venus en haar gevolg in het water* (Venus and her entourage in the water), depicts the Roman goddess Venus surrounded by nymphs and cupids amidst a tumultuous seascape. Moitte was active in the late 18th century, and this work demonstrates his mastery of the Rococo style, characterized by intricate details, flowing lines, and playful subject matter. The composition is dynamic, with the figures arranged in a variety of poses that create a sense of movement and energy. Moitte's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the figures' drapery, the rippling waves, and the swirling clouds in the sky. The artwork's title and the inscription at the bottom suggest that this work is a celebration of Venus's beauty and power, and that it was likely commissioned for a wealthy patron.