Henri Fantin Latour - Tannhaeuser. Venusberg (2e planche)

On the right, in the foreground, Tannhäuser sits on a mound of grass and faces the spectator with his back to the lake. Near him, a naked Venus half reclines on the grass and leans on his knees, in an attitude of seduction. On the left, there is a group of three nymphs. The one nearest to Venus and Tannhäuser sits and her knees are covered with drapery. Her chest is bare, her face is in profile, and she plays an antique flute. Another nymph stands and is seen almost from the front. Her head is thrown back, and the veils around her float behind her as she reveals herself completely naked. The third, seen from the back, is almost dressed and in a dancing pose. The landscape is of Venusberg, with a lake and grassy slopes to the right and thick foliage and shade behind the nymphs. (Wagner, Tannhäuser, act 1, scene 2)
Courtesy of Boston Public Library