Artwork Page for Venus (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #43)

Details / Information for Venus (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #43)

Venus (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #43)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.432.43
Catalogue raisonné
Hind E.I. 43a
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “A”, and named Firmaments of the Universe. This series comprises the seven planets from the classical astronomy (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and the three celestial spheres that separate them from the Supreme Entity (Prima Causa) from which everything was originated.

Here, Venus is personified as a nude female figure, in profile, bathing in a small river, and holding a sea shell in her right hand. Doves are flying above her. Venus’s winged son Cupid stands behind her, blindfolded and carrying his bow and arrows. On the other side of the river bank are three naked young girls, symbolizing the three Graces. Venus was believed to be the Goddess of Love, the daughter of Jupiter, and the third in the order of planets.
A vertically oriented engraving in fine lines depicts figures within a decorative border. Venus stands on a shore to our right, hair flowing behind her, flanked by two women. To our left, a blindfolded winged figure holds a bow. Centrally, another woman emerges from the rippling water. In the sky above, birds fly over distant mountains. Below, the inscription reads, 'A VENVS XXXXIII 43'.

Venus (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #43)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork