Who painted The Toilet of Venus?

The Toilet of Venus was painted by Joseph Heintz the Elder in 1590.

Where can I see The Toilet of Venus?

The Toilet of Venus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Toilet of Venus?

The Toilet of Venus is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Toilet of Venus?

Museum-quality prints of The Toilet of Venus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Toilet of Venus

Joseph Heintz the Elder , 1590

The Toilet of Venus is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Joseph Heintz the Elder. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: none; on mount, at lower right, in later hand in black ink: 79; verso: none
Markings: Marked:recto: heart-shaped collector mark (not in Lugt)

About this work

Overview

The Toilet of Venus is a drawing by Joseph Heintz the Elder, created around 1590. It is executed in pen and ink with wash and heightening over red and black chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a scene likely representing Venus, seated on a pedestal, surrounded by three attendants. Venus is shown nude, with a cloth draped over her shoulder, her head turned and arm raised.

Technique & Style

The figures are rendered in a detailed and realistic style, with intricate lines and shading creating depth and texture. The focus is on the foreground figures, with the background not visible.

Context

This work exemplifies Renaissance drawing techniques and stylistic tendencies.