Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry: The Pearl and the wave (1862)

(Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain)

A painting by the French artist Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry (1828-1886). This sensual painting shows a nude woman lying on a rocky shore. Her head is turned to gaze backward over her shoulder towards the viewer. The pearl, shells and the ocean may refer to the birth of the goddess Venus. This piece was first presented at the Paris Salon of 1863 (a prestigious art exhibition) were is received much praise. After the salon it was bought by empress Eugénie de Montijo of France. Painting from 1863.