Artwork
Sleeping Venus Surprised by Satyrs
Sleeping Venus Surprised by Satyrs is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Nicolas Poussin. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Sleeping Venus Surprised by Satyrs is a 1626 oil painting by Nicolas Poussin, held at the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene, naked Venus surrounded by three figures, likely satyrs, in a wooded setting. The scene is drawn from mythological themes, with the satyrs reacting to the goddess's slumber.
Technique & Style
Poussin employs chiaroscuro, a dramatic lighting technique, to highlight Venus's skin against the darker surroundings. The contrast between light and shadow creates a sense of depth and emphasizes the figures.
Context
The work is an example of Poussin's early exploration of mythological subjects, characteristic of his oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas Poussin (UK: , US: , French: ; June 1594 – 19 November 1665) was a leading painter of the classical French Baroque style, although he spent most of his working life in Rome.
