“Birth of Venus” is an oil on canvas artwork created by Paul Delvaux in 1937. This Surrealist portrait, measuring 65 x 82 cm, features distinctive elements emblematic of its artistic movement.
In the artwork, two nude female figures stand within a dark, enclosed space constructed of prominently shadowed bricks. They are positioned side by side, emerging from a large, sunken basin which appears to be filled with water. Both figures wear elaborate headpieces that add an ethereal quality to their otherwise mysterious and subdued expressions. The setting includes a glimpse of an open landscape visible through a rectangular opening behind them, allowing a contrast between the somber room and the serene outdoors. The meticulous rendering of their forms and the surreal atmosphere contribute to the timeless and enigmatic quality of Delvaux’s work.