The Birth of Venus (French: La Naissance de Vénus) is one of the most famous paintings by 19th-century painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

She is considered the epitome of the Classical Greek and Roman ideal of the female form and beauty, on par with Venus de Milo.

At the center of the painting, Venus stands nude on a scallop shell[1] being pulled by a dolphin, one of her symbols.

Fifteen putti, including Cupid and his lover Psyche, and several nymphs and centaurs have gathered to witness Venus' arrival.

It appears to be the silhouette of the artist, with a head, shoulder, arm, and a raised fist that would seem to hold a paintbrush.