The World's Greatest Paintings Season 1 Episode 7 The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velazquez

The World's Greatest Paintings season 1 episode 7 explores one of the most controversial paintings of all time, The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velazquez. The painting features a reclining nude woman, Venus, looking in a mirror held up by Cupid, while various figures are reflected in the glass. The painting has long been a source of controversy due to its sensual nature.

The episode delves into the history of the painting, beginning with its creation in the 17th century. Diego Velazquez, the court painter to King Philip IV of Spain, was commissioned to paint the portrait of the king's favorite mistress, Maria Barberini. However, instead of portraying her in traditional court attire, Velazquez chose to paint her as the Roman goddess of love, Venus.

The episode brings to light the historical significance of the painting, as well as the social and cultural context in which it was created. The seductive pose of Venus led to criticism from some members of the Spanish court, who saw it as an inappropriate depiction of a woman. In fact, the painting was almost destroyed by a member of the suffragette movement in 1914. The painting was later attacked with a meat cleaver in 1914 by a militant suffragette, Mary Richardson, who was protesting at the National Gallery in London.

The episode also explores the technical aspects of the painting, such as Velazquez's use of light and dark to create depth and shadow, as well as his ability to capture realistic facial expressions. The hosts take a closer look at the intricate details, such as the texture of the fabrics and the folds in the curtains.

The episode also covers the various interpretations and analyses of the painting throughout history. While some see it as a symbol of female empowerment, others view it as a mere objectification of women. The episode brings together experts on art history and psychology to discuss these differing interpretations and to shed light on the social and cultural factors that contribute to them.

Finally, the episode concludes with the legacy of The Rokeby Venus. The painting has inspired countless artists and continues to be a source of fascination and controversy. The episode reflects on the painting's impact on our understanding of beauty, sexuality, and gender throughout history and its continued relevance today.

Overall, The World's Greatest Paintings season 1 episode 7 provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of one of the most famous and controversial paintings of all time. Through expert analysis and historical context, the episode sheds light on the many facets of this masterpiece and its place in art history.