National Gallery of Art, Washington
Venus with a Mirror is a visual feast of rich textures and sumptuous colors. Venus gazes at her reflection in a mirror held aloft by Cupid, while a second character reaches up to crown her with a wreath of flowers. Raising her left hand up, she holds her fur-lined robe across her lap with her right hand. The deep crimson color of the velvet garment beautifully complements the warm tone of her creamy flesh. The gleaming jewels and metallic embroidery provide textural contrasts to the softness of her fabrics, skin, and hair.
The pose of Titian's goddess recalls that of the classical statue, Venus Pudica. Titian may have seen this work in Rome when he wrote that he was "learning from the marvelous ancient stones." More than just depicting a mythological subject, Titian's painting celebrates the perfect beauty of the female form.