Nicole Page-Smith
Venus rides the clouds
Time lingers but Venus was her maid. The phase of Venus, Roman mythology and poetry, are something very Italian. Perhaps the stars would be visible over Venice, especially Venus at sunset, at certain times of the year. However, Roman and even Classical the theme of the painting, "An Allegory with Venus and Time" (1754-1758), maybe one is reminded of nature sunrise and a new day. The "Tiepolo" light shines through. The quality of light and shadow is achieved by masterful draftsmanship and the painted quality gives nature a godly air. All the poetic resonance of the spirit gives depth to the painting. A godly light and spiritual understanding of the sky within as though a reflection on the water is experiential. Time is although a burden and obviously running out for Tiepolo but all his painting share this intellect. A master of light in drawing and painting, the paintings although appearing sketched in have you floating off with the clouds although, heavenly bound or on angel wing. Cupids and a cute, chubby faced baby give the wheel of fortune another name as Venus sits amongst the clouds. Although, you feel the message of the painting would have a different meaning in the seventeen-hundreds than today, the spiritual association with nature remains. Life and death issues are at the fore. God sat me in front of the National Gallery painting in London so many times, I still have not got the message. Venus rides the clouds.
