The Worship of Venus

The Worship of Venus is another Titian painting located at the world-famous Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain

The scene depicts a Roman rite of worship to the goddess Venus which is carried out annually on the 1st of April. In presenting offering and gifts to Venus, or representations of her, women off all ages can cleanse their bodies until the next ceremony in the following year.

In typical Titian fashion, there is a calming landscape scene that sweeps across the background and adds depths to the overall composition. In the foreground you will find more figures than included in any of Titian's career, with endless male infants playfully interacting with each other in a joyous scene. The artwork is dated 1518-1519 and it is likely that this complex piece would have taken over a year to complete, probably also requiring assistance from members of Titian's studio.

The infants are seen in all manner of amusing activities, including climbing trees, jumping around, collecting apples, lazing around chatting, arguing and fighting and even shooting arrows or pulling hair. It is a creative scene where Titian uses all of his artistic license to create a scene loosely linked to the original theme. He adds a certain level of fun to proceedings and may have encouraged members of his studio to incorporate their own ideas into the infants' behaviour.

Those fortunate to see the original painting at the Museo del Prado in Madrid will be able to enjoy the detail which can't accurately be displayed in a small webpage such as this. The artwork is almost two metres tall and wide, only marginally taller than it is wide.