The Birth and Triumph of Venus

François Boucher

about 1743

Black chalk and gouache, Chalk, Gouache

J. Paul Getty Museum

A reclining nude woman holds a dove while surrounded by cherubs and mythological sea creatures in a swirling aquatic scene. A reclining nude woman holds a dove while surrounded by cherubs and mythological sea creatures in a swirling aquatic scene. Surrounded by admirers, a recumbent Venus clasps a white dove to her body. At her feet, a pair of naiads, or water nymphs, presents red coral and other sea treasures to the goddess of love. Two tritons, semi-human sea dwellers, vigorously vie for Venus's attention. One triton blows on his shell-trumpet while the other, wedged between his partner and a fantastical dolphin, empties water out of his horn. In both sea and sky, putti pay tribute to the goddess. Amid all this attention, Venus remains impassive, decid