Artist research into Raphaelle peale's 'Venus rising from the sea'

... Raphaelle Peale; Venus rising from the sun 'Venus rising from the sea' 1822 oil on canvas Raphaelle Peale First Impressions: When I first look a this work, I see a cloth floating in the air; yet at closer inspection I realise its being held up with strings and that there is a hint of someone standing behind the cloth as there are arms visible and a foot. The painting makes me think about my own shirt being hung up in the garden - the resemblance seems uncanny because of the strange dark background surrounding the cloth. Strangely enough is the fact that there is no visible sea within the painting although the title suggest Venus is rising from the sea. it's as if Venus just had a shower and is standing behind shower curtains combing her hair. Basic elements: Contrasting colours are used to create the sense that the cloth seems to be floating. The stark

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