Discussion Topic: Titian's Venus of Urbino, Venetian Renaissance
Discussion Guide:
As you read in the module, scholars agree that Venus of Urbino has multiple interpretations. Who do you think this woman is, and why do you think so? Please base your reasoning on specific information from the module and/or elements visible in the painting. Remember that her identity is unknown, so there is no single 'right' answer! Just be sure to back up your claim convincingly.
Personal Response:
I like to think that she is a courtesan [a prostitute], and the two women in the back are probably the now ex-wife [the one standing] with her maid, who's helping her moving out her stuff from the cassoni [where the bride would put her belongings upon marriage]. I based my opinion on these points:
- The lady standing in the back, who I think is the ex-wife, is holding the sack meaning that she's packing it, and not emptying it into the cassoni, in which case she would put the sack on the floor;
- The other girl with the white dress is well into the cassoni with her head, most likely to make sure she's not forgetting anything inside;
- The plant [a myrtle plant which is an evergreen plant symbolizing marital fidelity] tells us that her husband is the reason for her departure, since she is loyal and could not betray him;
- The dog [meaning of fidelity and loyalty, see "Fido"] is sleeping, to represent the lack of fidelity;
- One of the flowers fell on the bed, foreshadowing the ephemeral relationship that the courtesan and the Duke established;
- Last, the black panel behind the courtesan's head doesn't allow the two ladies in the back to see her face, hinting that the ex-wife might have never seen the courtesan, but understood that the Duke was seeing somebody else.
Love this painting.
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