Venus and Minerva c. 1590 - 1620

This painting, "Venus and Minerva," by Pellegrino Tibaldi depicts the Roman goddesses Venus and Minerva. The work, dated to c. 1590-1620, is an example of Mannerist art. Venus is depicted nude, holding a bow and arrow, while Minerva is clothed in armor and holds a spear. The composition is framed by an elaborate gold and black border, suggesting a tapestry or decorative panel. This small oil-on-panel painting is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and showcases Tibaldi's mastery of Renaissance artistic principles while incorporating the stylistic innovations of the Mannerist movement.