This painting is the female nude was rarely represented in Spanish art, although the royal collection was rich in mythological nudes by Titian and other Venetian Renaissance masters. The Toilet of Venus, called the 'Rokeby Venus' after Rokeby Hall in Yorkshire where it hung in the nineteenth century, is the only surviving picture of this kind by Velázquez - one other, now lost, is recorded - and remained unique in Spain until Goya depicted the Naked Maja, which was probably inspired by it. Painted either just before or during Velázquez's second visit to Italy in 1648-52, the Venus was recorded in 1651 in the collection of the young son of Philip IV's prime minister, famous both for his womanising and his patronage of art. He was later to become Marqués of Carpio and later still Viceroy of Naples, and it must have been his standing at court which enabled him to commission such a painting without fear of the Inquisition.
Firstly, for the proportion It is the only surviving female nude portrait painting.The head of Venus in the mirror is also much too large, it’s roughly the size of her face, which would be impossible if the observer were standing relatively close to Venus . It should probably be at least half the size of the real thing. Venus is reclining on a bed and is viewed from her back side. She has a small waist and curvy hips, which was a departure from the robust nudes of the time. She is gazing into a mirror held by Cupid and pink silk ribbons are draped on the mirror frame and Cupid.
Second, for the unity composition simply utilized mostly shades of red, white, black and grey. The creamy, smooth and luminescent white color caressing Venus’ skin is a dramatic contrast to the black, grey and brown accents of the room. The use or portrayal of nude females during this time was frowned upon, paintings could be seized by the Inquisition and artists could be fined or banished.
Lastly, for the balance the skin color of the nude female radiates warmth against black linens, she wears no jewelry and her hair is neatly up. The dark room is void of distractions, creating intense focus toward the sensual lines of the female. It has been debated that it is physically impossible for Venus to see her own reflection in the mirror and even if she did, her head size is all wrong. But these anomalies create greater interest for me and bring curiosity as to why every brushstroke was taken.
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