How to Read Paintings: The Toilet of Venus by Diego Velázquez

A provocative image of Venus in more ways than one

The Toilet of Venus or ‘The Rokeby Venus’ (c.1647–51) by Diego Velázquez. Oil on canvas. 122.5 × 175 cm. National Gallery, London, UK. Image source Wikimedia Commons

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).