Venus Pricked by the Thorns of a Rose Bush; Cupid Asleep in the Foreground 1556

Giorgio Ghisi’s 1556 engraving, *Venus Pricked by the Thorns of a Rose Bush,* depicts the Roman goddess Venus, in a landscape setting, pricking her foot on the thorn of a rose bush. She is depicted as nude and stands by a body of water in the foreground. In the background, Cupid is depicted sleeping, and two figures, likely shepherds, appear to be fighting in the distance. Ghisi used an etching and engraving technique to create this print, which showcases the detail and precision of the artist’s technique. The piece is a fine example of Mannerist art, which favored elongated figures and elaborate compositions. The print is a rare example of the artist’s work, and is a testament to the importance of mythological themes in Renaissance art. *Venus Pricked by the Thorns of a Rose Bush* is a significant work in Ghisi’s oeuvre.