Venus of Urbino
	1538 Oil on Canvas 119 x 165 cm Uffizi, Florence
	This is a splendid female nude of a goddess that was later copied by eighteenth and nineteenth century artists. Venus is comfortably lounging on a recliner covered with cushions, and holding flowers, like the "Flora" present in the same room. At her feet and slightly behind is a pretty little dog sleeping curled up, while in the background two handmaids can be seen removing and folding clothes from a chest. Titian's style can also be seen in the decoration of the interior, especially in the column with the vase next to it and in the slender trees in the distance. Probably the most important aspect of the painting is the contrast of light and shade produced by the pale body of Venus on an equally pale sheet, standing out against the dark wall behind.
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