Venus of Urbino
Painting on canvas • Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
Style & Movement
High Renaissance / Venetian School
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; utilizing complex glazing techniques, rich sfumato for skin tones, and meticulous impasto highlights in the fabrics.
Creation Period
Completed in 1538
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 119 cm × 165 cm (47 in × 65 in); horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
A reclining female nude depicted as Venus (though possibly a courtesan or bride), lying on a bed in a domestic setting. A small dog (symbolizing fidelity) sleeps at her feet, while in the background, two servants search through a cassone (marriage chest). The work represents bridal instruction or marital eroticism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (referring to the original masterpiece in the Uffizi); the provided image is a modern photographic postcard reproduction in Good condition.
Estimated Market Value
Priceless / Institutional Asset (Historical original); the postcard itself has a nominal value of $1-$5 USD.
Auction Estimate
N/A for the original; $1-$10 USD for a vintage postcard at a specialized ephemera auction.
Provenance History
Commissioned by Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino; later passed to the Medici family via the dowry of Vittoria della Rovere in 1631.
Art Historical Significance
One of the most influential works in Western art history, establishing the archetype of the 'reclining nude.' It served as the primary inspiration for Manet's 'Olympia' and countless other depictions of the female form.
Notable Features
The 'Titian Red' of the background drapery and the direct, unashamed gaze of the figure which broke with medieval modesty conventions.
Condition Issues
The postcard appears to have slight edge wear and glossy surface reflections; the original painting has historical craquelure and minor old restorations consistent with its age.
Conservation Recommendations
For the postcard: keep away from direct sunlight and humidity. For the original: climate-controlled environment at the Uffizi Gallery with UV-filtered lighting.