Titian's "Venus of Urbino"

Abstract

A quintessential work of the High Renaissance in Venice, Titian's Venus of Urbino also represents one of the major themes of Western art: the female nude. But how did Titian intend this work to be received? Is she Venus, as the popular title - a modern invention - implies, or is she merely a courtesan? This book tackles this and other questions in six essays by European and American art historians. Examining the work within the context of Renaissance art theory, as well as the psychology and society of sixteenth-century Italy, and even in relation to Manet's nineteenth-century "translation" of the work, their observations begin and end with the painting itself and with appreciation of Titian's great achievement in creating this archetypal image of feminine beauty. Titian, Ovid, and sixteenth-century codes for erotic illustration / Carlo Ginzburg -- So-and-so reclining on her couch / David Rosand -- Sex, space, and social history in Titian's Venus of Urbino / Rona Goffen -- The Venus of Urbino, or the archetype of a glance / Daniel Arasse -- Veiling the Venus of Urbino / Marly Pardo -- Olympia's choice / T.J. Clark.