The Gaze

This painting amazes me. I saw 'The Toilet of Venus' in a recent show at the National Gallery. It was painted by Velazquez in the years 1647-51. It is very rare to see a painting from this time period featuring a reclining nude from behind! One might first think that this painting was intended for the male gaze only, a subject for pure enjoyment. However, the focal point indicates otherwise. Everything in the painting points to the mirror at the center. Here the viewer is caught by the woman's gaze reflected. The viewer, who would naturally be the one doing the looking, finds himself/herself being looked at!

It's a really beautiful painting up close. There are certain areas that Velazquez paints with such detail, such as the fabric. Other areas, such as Cupid's foot, are treated more ambiguously as they fade into the background. It's so beautiful! and so old!