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The image consists of swirling lines and curved shapes that create an abstract scene with human-like figures. Some figures are seated while others appear to be in motion against a cloud-like backdrop. The composition conveys a sense of a celestial gathering, with the figures floating in the airy environment.
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The image consists of swirling lines and curved shapes that create an abstract scene with human-like figures. Some figures are seated while others appear to be in motion against a cloud-like backdrop. The composition conveys a sense of a celestial gathering, with the figures floating in the airy environment.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Birth of Venus

Sir James Thornhill

Date
c. 1710
Medium
pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 16 x 20.1 cm (6 5/16 x 7 15/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1984.3.64
Credit line
Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1701 to 1725
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Venus
Provenance

Julius S. Held

Watermarks

C (or G?)...AW

NGA object ID 63041. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.