"Venus recreandose en al amor y la musica", 1576 Tiziano Vecellio El Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

Vecellio Tiziano (1485-1576) created a series of paintings (5 exist presently) dedicated to Venus and Music. All are based on the same modelling - Venus reclining and at her feet a musician playing either an organ or a lute. Venus is distracted by either a pet dog or Cupid. There are many interpretations of these paintings from erotic to allegorical, namely the harmony of beauty and love. This version is considered to be the most accomplished. Apparently, the original was modified to be less provocative. Instead of Venus looking directly at the music player, her gaze is directed at the dog or Cupid. The work was acquired by Charles I of England and following his execution, his painting collection was acquired by Philip IV of Spain and integrated into the National Prado Museum in 1827 (please see a virtually identical alternative “original”).