Venus

Venus is a beautiful and scantily clad young woman with a wreath of flowers in her hair. She is holding an apple and two little boys are soliciting her attention. At her feet are a swan, a dove and a dolphin. The garlands on each side of her feature precious shells and roses.

Additional information:
Venus is the goddess of love. The two children are her sons Eros and Anteros (love and requited love). The apple is the one she received from Paris when he selected her as the most beautiful goddess. She is surrounded by her attributes: the dove, the swan and the dolphin. Her chariot is drawn by doves and swans, while the dolphin and shells refer to her birth from the sea. The rose is the flower dedicated to her. She is gazing at Mars, with whom she had a love affair.

Artwork history:
Melchior Fokkens, a writer who described the Town Hall in the 17th century, found Venus’s attire too voluptuous and revealing. He felt her portrayal put too much emphasis on earthly love and not enough on divine love.