Slapende Venus onder een boom c. 1701

Here we see "Sleeping Venus under a Tree" by Jacob Toorenvliet, an undated drawing with graphite on paper. The composition shows Venus in repose, her form nestled against a tree, with a ship on the horizon and an urn in the foreground. The tonal gradations achieved with graphite create soft contrasts that define the forms and evoke a sense of serene detachment. Toorenvliet uses line and shading to delineate the contours of Venus' body, giving it a sculptural presence while also softening it with delicate strokes. The tree and drapery behind her are not just background elements; they serve to frame and elevate her figure, drawing the viewer's eye to the central subject. The structural arrangement of the drawing—the positioning of Venus, the framing by the tree, and the distant ship—introduces a dialogue between nature, beauty, and the possibilities of distant journeys, all harmonized through the artist's control of line and tone.