Venus and the mirror
Cupid holds the mirror beside Venus. Follow the connection between the two figures before deciding how to read the reclining pose.
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The Rokeby Venus
painting
NudityRead the context
The Rokeby Venus is the only surviving female nude by Velázquez. Its subject is Venus, accompanied by Cupid and a mirror. Read the figures together: the reflection belongs to this encounter as much as the reclining body.
Details
Begin at the mirror Cupid holds, then return to Venus. Compare the face in the reflection with the body before you. Consider what the mirror lets you see, and how it changes your position as a viewer.
Where it hangs
National Gallery
