From the Film Maker

The painting depicts Venus, the goddess of Love, with her son Cupid, who holds up a mirror. I was attracted to the idea of having these extraordinary characters placed in such a familiar situation in an everyday environment.

I became inspired to create a film based on the painting’s many themes, including the relationship between mother and son; Venus’ obsession with beauty; the role Cupid plays and, most important, the personification of the mirror. It is a really personal prop that Velázquez often used as a sign in his paintings. This became the focal point of reference for my animation.

Using 3D cartoon-style computing techniques, I made this short piece expressing my characters’ emotions.

Silvia Villar

A piece inspired by Velázquez, The Toilet of Venus ('The Rokeby Venus'), 1647-51