Venus revisited – 2025

Oil on canvas. H60 x W45 cm

A return to an earlier trope. Mythologically the Venus de Milos or Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus (Jupiter) and Dione. Dione in turn was the daughter of Gaia the mother of all life. It is logical then that Aphrodite herself should conceive and have offspring. She retains the stern look ascribed to a Goddess and daughter of the supreme Father God.

The artist’s daughter is about to give birth to a daughter which prompted a re-visit of this theme. The artist father’s hand protrudes below Aphrodite’s torso, fingers splayed – the life line visible.

The contemporary preoccupation with family lineage and genealogical research holds people in thrall and veritably consumes Western society. This is partly due to the successful (almost monopolised) marketing by the Church of the Latter Day Saints (The Mormons), who strategically and with tremendous foresight bought and own a large portion of available Parish records worldwide. And their persistent advertising has yielded handsome dividends.