Venus Anadyomene (or Venus Marine) is a painting by Théodore Chassériau from 1838. It depicts the goddess of love emerging from the waters, according to the myth of her birth. This artistic theme, derived from Greco-Roman mythology, has been revisited by many painters over the centuries. Chassériau is inspired by it in turn, bringing his personal touch and romantic style.
An ancient myth revisited
The painting illustrates the legend of Aphrodite (or Venus among the Romans), who emerged from the foam of the sea in Cyprus after the blood and semen of Uranus’ severed genitals mixed with water. This scene is recounted by the Greek poet Hesiod in his Theogony, a cosmogonic account that sets out the genealogy of the gods. The epithet “anadyomene” means “surging upwards” or “emerging from the waters” in ancient Greek.
This myth has been revisited by many artists, especially in painting. For example, there is Apelles’ Venus Anadyomene, a Greek painter from the 4th century BC, whose work is lost but was considered a masterpiece by the Ancients. There is also Ingres’ Venus Anadyomene, painted between 1808 and 1848, which shows the goddess wringing out her hair in a sensual gesture.
An original and romantic work
Chassériau takes up the theme of Venus Anadyomene but brings his own vision and romantic style to it. He thus moves away from classical canons of feminine beauty by representing a goddess with generous forms and a matte complexion. He also gives her a melancholic and dreamy expression that contrasts with the joy usually associated with birth. He thus creates a mysterious and poetic atmosphere that reflects his taste for exoticism and orientalism.
The painting is also remarkable for its pictorial technique. Chassériau uses bright and contrasting colors that highlight the goddess’ body and the marine elements surrounding her. He also plays with light and shadow effects that create relief and movement. He thus shows his mastery of chiaroscuro and his influence by Caravaggio, an Italian painter from the 17th century.
A work exhibited and appreciated
The painting was presented at the Salon de peinture et de sculpture in 1839 where it received a favorable reception from both public and critics. It was notably admired by Victor Hugo who wrote in his diary: “I saw today at the Salon a marine Venus by Chassériau that charmed me. It is a figure full of grace and melancholy; she seems to emerge from the waves like a thought; she has something Oriental in her gaze; she is beautiful like a woman and gentle like a nymph.”
The painting was then acquired by the French state in 1845 and has been exhibited at the Louvre Museum since 1852. It is one of Chassériau’s most famous and representative works, considered one of the precursors of symbolism in painting.
