Venus Anadyomene (Ingres)

Venus Anadyomene is an 1848 painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, depicting the birth of Venus. "Anadyomene" (Ἀναδυομένη) is a Greek word referring to Venus rising from the sea, as depicted in ancient accounts and art.

The painting portrays Venus standing on a large seashell, emerging from the sea. Several putti (cherubs) surround her, blowing horns and scattering roses. The composition is characterized by Ingres's typical neoclassical style, emphasizing idealized beauty, smooth contours, and a balanced composition. The figure of Venus is rendered with meticulous detail and anatomical precision, reflecting Ingres's academic training and devotion to classical ideals. The seashell and surrounding marine environment are depicted with a detailed realism that contrasts with the idealized depiction of the goddess.

The painting is considered a masterpiece of Ingres's later career, and a significant example of 19th-century Neoclassical art. It is currently held in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France. The subject, Venus rising from the sea, had been a recurring theme in art history, explored by artists such as Apelles (of which only descriptions remain), Sandro Botticelli (in The Birth of Venus), and Titian. Ingres's interpretation offers a distinct and refined vision of the myth.