Titian’s Venus of Urbino, 1583, Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The use of erotic imagery in art is not a new concept, and dates back to the Greek and Roman eras. During the Italian Renaissance, wealthy dukes would commission works of art with explicit erotic content in mythical contexts to adorn the walls of their living rooms or bedrooms.

Usually, the paintings would depict famous pairs of lovers or spouses in the nude. Titian’s Venus of Urbino [above], painted in 1583, is well known as representing fidelity in marriage [as it was gifted from the duke to his wife].

Do you think it’s crass or classy to hang this up on a wall? Tell us in the comments below.