The Toilet of Venus ('The Rokeby Venus'), Velázquez

This is the only known female nude by Velázquez, painted for private use, thereby avoiding any moral controversy associated with such works.
Greek mythology tells us that Venus is the goddess of beauty, thus the image reveals the concept of ultimate feminine physical beauty as seen by the painter. In a graceful pose, lying on sheets and with her back to us, Venus looks at the viewer through a mirror held by her son, Cupid.
The canvas shows an absence of spiritual or religious elements. The protagonist's face reflected in the mirror appears as an ambiguous image, focusing solely on the contemplation of her body. It is no longer perceived as an "other" meant to be served or loved, what the ancient Greeks would call Agape Love, but rather as an "other" meant for use, ones own enjoyment, or tasting, that is, Eros Love.