Venus and Cupid 1606 - 1611

Peter Paul Reubens painted Venus and Cupid using oil on canvas, a material that allowed for rich color and texture. Looking closely, we can see how Rubens built up the image through layers of paint, a labor-intensive process reflecting the values of the time and the expectations of his patrons. Notice Venus's skin, achieved by mixing colors in a way that captured the softness and volume of flesh. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about showing off his skill, and also about representing the affluence and abundance that defined the Baroque era. Consider, too, the skilled labor involved in preparing the canvas, grinding pigments, and mixing paints – a whole workshop contributed to pieces like this. It all adds layers of meaning to the work, well beyond the simple surface of the image.