Why it matters
Titian moved the reclining nude of Giorgione's Sleeping Venus indoors, into a Renaissance palace, and had her look straight at the viewer. Whether she is a courtesan or a celebration of marriage is still debated, but the painting helped create the Venetian tradition of the reclining nude.
Did you know?
- The dog at her feet is often read as a symbol of fidelity.
- It was not sold until 1538.
- Manet's Olympia is a direct response to it.
Based on the Wikipedia article Venus of Urbino (CC BY-SA 4.0).
