Venus attended by cupids 1495 - 1539

"Venus attended by cupids" is an engraving made by Marcantonio Raimondi in the early 16th century. Raimondi, an Italian engraver, reproduced classical and Renaissance art, making it accessible to a wider audience. In this print, we see Venus, the Roman goddess of love, fertility, and beauty, represented in the classical nude. She’s flanked by two cupids, one pulling at her hand, the other holding a bow, symbols of desire. Venus isn't depicted as an untouchable goddess; she's fleshy and maternal. This portrayal challenges the traditional representations of idealized female beauty, influenced by the social and cultural values of the time, and raises questions about the male gaze in art history and the objectification of women's bodies. How does seeing Venus through Raimondi's eyes make you feel about the relationship between power, beauty, and representation?