The Birth of Venus (1875) — Alexandre Cabanel
Silk-smooth surf, dawn light, a figure born of sea-foam: Cabanel’s Venus reclines along the tide line as cherubs whirl above and the horizon glows. The pose is serene yet theatrical—classical ideal meets 19th-century gloss—skin rendered in pearly glazes, hair drifting like seaweed in a gentle swell. This fine-art print brings salon splendour to your walls with a calm, luminous presence.
Why it captivates
-
Salon glamour — the academic ideal perfected in satin-smooth paint.
-
Classical myth, modern polish — Renaissance poise with 19th-century finish.
-
Luxurious light — pearly flesh tones set against a cool, glimmering sea.
-
Composed serenity — a restful centrepiece with quiet, lyrical drama.
-
Art-historical icon — companion to the famed 1863 Salon version (later variants followed).
-
Statement artwork — elegant anchor for living rooms, bedrooms, and libraries.
What you’ll see
Venus reclining on a shore of rippling surf; lids lowered, arm draped in a gesture of modesty; hair streaming as if carried by the tide. Above, playful putti hover; beyond, a low horizon under rose-blue dawn. Up close: glassy glazes and soft transitions. From a step back: a poised, radiant tableau.
A richer historical frame
Cabanel (1823–1889) debuted The Birth of Venus at the Salon of 1863, where Napoleon III purchased it and the work became a touchstone of French academic taste. The composition’s popularity led the artist to paint further versions, including this 1875 variant—sustaining the blend of classical mythology, idealised beauty, and impeccable finish that defined his mature style.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
841 × 500 mm (approx. 33.11 × 19.69 in)
-
Orientation: Landscape
-
Aspect ratio: ~1.682 : 1
-
Nearest standard frame: A1 landscape (594 × 841 mm) with a custom mat
-
Framing tips:
-
Classic: cut the mat window to ~837 × 496 mm for a clean 2–3 mm edge overlap.
-
Contemporary: float-mount in an A1 frame to create a generous gallery reveal.
-
Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Birth of Venus |
| Painted | 1875 (after the celebrated 1863 Salon composition) |
| Historical Context | French Academic art; classical mythology rendered with high-finish salon technique |
| Commission | Popular Salon subject; original 1863 version purchased by Napoleon III; later variants by artist |
| Print Size | 841 mm (W) × 500 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
-
Lovers of classical myth and polished Academic style
-
Collectors & stylists curating calm, luxurious interiors
-
Educators & galleries exploring 19th-century Salon culture
-
Gift-givers marking weddings, anniversaries, and housewarmings
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Invite serene mythic beauty into your space—order your fine-art print of Cabanel’s The Birth of Venus today.
