Venus

About this work

This image shows a muscular man bending over, holding a star in one hand and a spear in the other. Behind him floats the word "VENVS" in a wavy banner, with two cherubs holding it. At his feet sits a cow with a basket of fruit nearby, and the whole scene is filled with tiny cross-hatching lines for shading. The artist used fine lines to create depth and texture, especially in the man’s muscles and the cow’s fur. This style was common in engravings to show light and shadow without color. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.