Venus droogt zich af na bad en Amor met pijl en boog 1512 - 1527

Marco Dente created this engraving, Venus drying herself after her bath, with Cupid, sometime in the early 16th century. It presents a vision of classical beauty through a distinctively Renaissance lens. The engraving depicts Venus, the goddess of love, in a private moment. She is seated, drying her leg, while Cupid mischievously urinates in the foreground. This intimate portrayal invites us to consider the complex relationship between the divine and the human, and the ways in which Renaissance artists negotiated classical ideals with contemporary sensibilities. What's striking is the vulnerability of Venus here, a powerful goddess rendered in a moment of everyday intimacy. Simultaneously, Cupid’s irreverent act adds a layer of humor, challenging the traditional representations of mythological figures. Through this piece, Dente captures a vision of beauty and desire that remains powerfully resonant, stirring curiosity and prompting introspection.