Naakte Venus met twee tortelduiven 1753 - 1793

Louis Marin Bonnet created this sanguine drawing of a nude Venus with two doves sometime in the late 18th century. Bonnet lived during a time of shifting social structures and philosophical ideas, when the role of women in society was intensely debated. The artwork is rooted in classical mythology, yet it exists in a context where traditional representations of the female form were being questioned. Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, is depicted here in a soft, idealized manner, consistent with artistic conventions of the time. Yet, the piece exists amidst a growing tension between idealized beauty and the demand for more authentic representations of women. The gaze of Venus is cast downward. The doves, traditional symbols of love and peace, add a layer of sentimentality. It invites reflection on how societal expectations and artistic traditions shape our understanding and portrayal of the female identity.