Liggende Venus met twee putti c. 1506 - 1538

This engraving, by Albrecht Altdorfer, presents us with Venus reclining, attended by two putti. The goddess of love and beauty embodies the sensual allure of the classical world, which the Renaissance sought to revive. The putti, or cherubs, are themselves laden with symbolism. Rooted in classical antiquity as representations of playful innocence, they were adapted into Christian art to symbolize divine love. Here, one stands holding a staff. This is reminiscent of Hermes, whose caduceus is a symbol of balance and the eternal return. Notice the languid pose of Venus, echoing poses found in ancient Roman sculptures. This gesture of reclining has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. From Titian to Manet, artists have reinterpreted this posture to challenge and redefine notions of beauty and desire. The persistence of these images reveals the powerful force they exert on our collective memory, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. The Venus figure represents a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across different historical contexts.