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How to Read Paintings: The Toilet of Venus by Diego Velázquez
A provocative image of Venus in more ways than one
This enigmatic painting depicts the goddess Venus stretched out on silk bedclothes with her back turned to us. Meanwhile, her mischievous offspring Cupid holds up a mirror in order for her to enjoy her own beauty (whilst we, the viewer, are meant to do the same).
The Toilet of Venus was painted around 1651 by Diego Velázquez, and is a prized possession of the National Gallery in London. It is otherwise known as the “The Rokeby Venus” after Rokeby Park, the English country house where it hung for much of the 19th century.
As for the work, what is it trying to say? What are its secrets? And why, in the early 20th century, did it provoke a violent physical attack?
Interpretations
Venus lies in recumbent splendour, so that as the viewer we are privy to the full expanse of her rear, from her feet up to her head.
Notice how her figure occupies the entire width of the painting. The toes of her foot touch the left edge of the canvas, whilst the elbow of her arm nudges the right-hand side. The implication is clear: our attention should be entirely occupied by the woman on display.
