Venus with an Organist and a Dog

This sizeable work by Titian is a focal point for the room; its blatant, playful eroticism would have made quite a statement to the few who were allowed access here. The inventory entry for this painting lacks any pre-Charles I provenance and other versions exist such as that in the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Sale Inventory c.1649-51

Titian

Venus lying along, one playing on an organ (from Whitehall)

Walpole Society reference (1972): 
WS 299, №17
Appraisal: 
150-0-0
Sold to: 
Col Hutchinson
Sold for: 
£165
Sale date: 
08/11/1649
Identification certainty: 
Identified