La toilette de Venus
1783
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Jean-François Janinet
Jean-François Janinet (1752–1814) was a French artist, born in Paris.
See the richer artist page1783
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
La toilette de Venus is a 1783 ink by Jean-François Janinet, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a woman sitting on a fancy chair, dressed in a sheer red cloth. Around her are three small children—two perched on the chair, one on the floor—all looking at her. She holds a mirror and comb, as if getting ready, while a bird sits on her arm. The background has soft blue curtains and a staircase, with gold decorations and a vase of flowers on the floor. The title *La Toilette de Vénus* hints this scene is about Venus, the goddess of love, getting dressed. The tiny cherubs and the mirror suggest a playful, divine setting. If you like this style, check out Romanticism for more dreamy, emotional art.
Jean-François Janinet (1752–1814) was a French artist, born in Paris.
See the richer artist page
