Birth of Venus c. 1710

Sir James Thornhill rendered this Birth of Venus in ink, capturing a scene rich with symbols of love, beauty, and creation. Dominating the scene is Venus, the Roman goddess of love, surrounded by putti. These cherubic figures, often associated with divine love, have roots in classical antiquity. They reappear throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, softening the often stern visages of religious art with innocence and playfulness. Consider how these putti differ from their predecessors in classical art. Here, their gestures are more animated, their forms more robust, reflecting a shift towards a more dynamic and emotionally charged visual language. The act of birth is a powerful emotional event, tapping into primal experiences of creation and renewal. This image evokes a sense of wonder and awe, appealing to our collective memory and subconscious associations with the beginning of life. Thus, the symbols in Thornhill's drawing are not static; they evolve, gaining and shedding layers of meaning as they journey through time.