“The Mirror of Venus,” painted by Edward Burne-Jones circa 1870 to circa 1875, is an oil on canvas artwork. This mythological painting, belonging to the Renaissance art movement, measures 120 by 200 centimeters and is currently housed in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal.
The artwork depicts a group of women, elegantly dressed in flowing robes, gathered around a reflecting pool. The ethereal setting, framed by distant mountains and an expansive sky, enhances the mythological aura of the scene. Each woman’s gaze is fixed on her reflection in the tranquil waters, creating a sense of introspection and mysticism. The detailed rendering of the figures and the serene landscape highlights Burne-Jones’ mastery of form and composition, typical of Renaissance influences. The use of rich colors and intricate detailing invites the viewer to immerse in this timeless moment of beauty and contemplation.