Venus of Urbino, Titian

This work, also known as "Venus of the Little Dog", oscillates between reality and mythology. Contrary to what the title suggests, the main maiden is actually a flesh-and-blood person, symbolized by the dog curled up at her feet. In the background, two maids are seen in an almost idyllic setting.
This painting was commissioned to Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) by the Duke of Urbino Guidobaldo II della Rovere, as a gift to Giulia Varano, whom he would marry in 1534 when she was only 11 years old.