Venus wringing the water from her hair, standing at the water's edge

Art Historical Context

Behold *Venus Wringing the Water from Hair, Standing at the's Edge* (1506), a captivating engraving by Giacomo Francia, with masterful execution by engraver Marcantonio Raim. Created during the High Renaissance in Italy, this8 7/16 x6 in. print depicts the goddess Venus in a graceful, dynamic pose, evoking classical as she squeezes water from her flowing locks after emerging from the sea., son of the Bolognese painter Francesco Francia, likely designed the composition, while Raimondi—famed for his precise reproductive engravings—brought it to life, showcasing the era's fascination with mythological nudes inspired by ancient sculptures like the Venus Pudica. The medium's innovation lies in its silhouetted technique, rendering Venus in bold, high-contrast lines against a minimalist background, which heightens her sensual form and elegance. Engravings like this democratized art, allowing Renaissance ideals of beauty and humanism to reach collectors far beyond Italy. Notably, the seascape elements at left and right were later additions, "made up" to enhance the narrative, reflecting 18th- or 19th-century tastes for romanticized landscapes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Anonymous Gift, 1929), this work exemplifies early printmaking's role in cultural exchange, blending eroticism with divine poise for timeless allure.