Ideals OF BEAUTY
Venus of Arles, Peacock, Superb Fairy Wren & Monarch Butterfly
Venus, in Roman mythology, is the personification of love and beauty. Across art history, her voluptuous physique and alluring presence have served as the benchmark for desire. Here, the Venus D’Arles stands poised with the Golden Apple in hand, a symbol of perfection drawn from the story of Paris and his judgement upon Venus, commemorating her as the most beautiful of goddesses. In her other hand rests the handle of a mirror, an emblem of vanity and desire.
In nature too, beauty is wielded with intention by those that exude attraction and elegance, using their visual splendour and flair to allure the opposite sex. Through this piece, Venus’s divine femininity overlaps with her counterparts found in nature: the iconic peacock, electric Superb Fairy-wren and the delicate grace of the Monarch butterfly.
Oil on Canvas
40in x 60in