Venus
1539
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1539
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a woman rising from the sea on a scallop shell. She holds a mirror and a comb in one hand, while flames flicker behind her. Her hair is blown by the wind, and she stands on a rocky shore with a small tree nearby. The word "VENUS" is printed at the top, and the artist’s mark "HB" appears in the corner. This is a classic example of how artists from this time often depicted myths. Next, look up the technique: engraving to see how artists like Beham created detailed lines with metal tools.
