Parrasio Micheli (or Michieli) was Titian's pupil.  This work is an outstanding manifestation of contemporary thinking concerning the close connection between music and love.

Elegance, charm and genteel eroticism characterize this late Renaissance piece of Venetian art. 

The ecstatic-looking young woman as the goddess of love accompanies herself on the lute. Her naked breasts and shoulder refer to sensuality, the pearls around her neck, wrists and ears remind us that she was born from the sea, and Cupid holds the opened music sheet  for her.

Venus's instrument is a well-formed lute with a beautiful rosette but with only 7 strings, instead of the 11 - 13 strings usual in 16th century.