When Venus rose naked from the sea , she appeared the model of persect beauty ; but dress soon added a new lustre to her charms, and the Graces were with charged the care of ber toilet. Guido's imagination seized on this subject, and he has treated it in a very captivating manner. Venus, almost naked, displays a form of consummate beauty; and the Graces, though clad, are represented in charming attitudes. One Love is looking on, with seeming astonishment that dress can add to the power of beauty ; while another, ambitious of contributing his part to adorn Venus, is gone in quest of some flowers. This picture is in Kensington palace, near London. 9 feet 3 inches; width, 6 feet 10 inches. |
