Artwork

The Bath of Venus

The Bath of Venus, by Francesco Albani, oil, 1620
The Bath of Venus, by Francesco Albani, oil, 1620

The Bath of Venus is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Francesco Albani. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Galleria Borghese.

About this work

Overview

The Bath of Venus is a mythological oil painting by Francesco Albani, created in 1620. It is now held at the Galleria Borghese.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love, in a serene natural setting surrounded by cherubs and other figures. She is seated on a chariot, while the cherubs interact playfully with her and each other, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The work features a range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant greens, and employs chiaroscuro to create depth and emphasize contrasts between light and dark, adding to its visual impact.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francesco Albani

Artist

Francesco Albani

Francesco Albani or Albano was an Italian Baroque painter of Albanian descent who was active in Bologna, Rome, Viterbo (1609–1610), Mantua (1621–1622) and Florence (1633).

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Galleria Borghese open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.