Venus

About this artwork

nummer, recto rechtsboven, etsen: ‘no. 177’

Art Historical Context

Created in 1773–74 by French printmaker Louis Marin Bonnet, this etching titled *Venus* captures the enduring fascination with classical mythology during the late eighteenth century. Bonnet, active in Paris, specialized in reproductive prints that brought paintings and sculptures by leading artists to wider audiences. Measuring 351 × 408 mm, the sheet’s generous scale suggests it was intended as a standalone work rather than a small book illustration. Etching, the medium employed here, allowed Bonnet to achieve delicate lines and tonal gradations that evoke the softness of flesh and flowing drapery associated with the goddess of love and beauty. The number “no. 177” inscribed in the upper right indicates the print belonged to a larger series, a common practice that helped collectors organize their portfolios. By rendering Venus in this accessible yet refined technique, Bonnet participated in the Enlightenment-era revival of antique themes, inviting viewers to appreciate both mythological ideals and the artistry of printmaking itself.

About the Artist

Louis Marin Bonnet · 1736–1793

Comment on works: Copper engraver