Venus

Theodor de Bry, after Sebald Beham

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a full-body view of an individual shown from the back, standing barefoot on a cloud. The person's body is slightly turned to the left, with their head also looking to the left, allowing a profile view of their face. Their facial features are delicate, with closely cropped, curly hair that appears to be held by a thin band or net. The figure is wearing a draped garment that leaves their arms and part of their upper back exposed, and it flows gracefully around their legs. In their left hand, they hold a five-pointed star, and in the right hand, a three-pronged spear or staff. A serene-looking cow lies on the ground next to them. The background is filled with stylized clouds, and above the figure, a ribbon unfurls bearing the inscription "VENVS." At the bottom of the image, the words "VOLUPTATUM PAREN" are inscribed.