The artwork “Study for ‘Vénus à Paphos'” is a creation by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, dating back to 1852. Executed in graphite on paper, it is a testament to the Neoclassical art movement. The artwork’s mythological painting genre is presented in a modest size, with dimensions of 31.6 x 20.3 cm.
The artwork portrays a partial figure of a woman, presumably Venus, based on the mythological context and the title of the work. The study captures the subject in profile from the waist up, with particular attention paid to the definition and form of her upper body. The subject’s left arm is partially extended and delicately holds what appears to be a small object, possibly an attribute associated with Venus. Her gaze is poised, looking outward with a serene expression. Smooth shading demonstrates Ingres’s mastery of form and his talent for conveying softness and roundness of flesh with graphite.
Ingres’s sensitive line work and careful attention to anatomical detail reflect the Neoclassical emphasis on the ideal beauty and purity found in classical art forms. The unfinished areas and visible construction lines indicate that this artwork served as a preparatory study, providing insight into Ingres’s artistic process. The echoes of classical sculpture are evident in the poised elegance and idealized features of the subject.