The Birth of Venus, with Neptune, Cybele and the Chariot of the Sun (Homage to Venus) 1665 - 1675

Niccolò Berrettoni’s pen and wash drawing, "The Birth of Venus", presents us with an oval composition teeming with mythological figures. The sepia tones and dynamic lines create a sense of movement and drama, evoking a world in divine action. Berrettoni masterfully arranges gods and goddesses in a layered composition, creating a visual hierarchy. Venus is enthroned centrally at the top. Below, Neptune emerges from the sea, while Cybele and the Chariot of the Sun occupy the opposite side. The drawing’s structure reflects the Baroque interest in complexity and spectacle. The arrangement invites us to consider how power and beauty are constructed through visual representation. Berrettoni uses the language of classical mythology to explore themes of creation, divinity, and the natural world. Ultimately, "The Birth of Venus" is a testament to the enduring power of classical themes in Baroque art. It invites ongoing interpretation of its intricate visual language.