Catch this Cranach while you can. The painting of Venus (right) by the 15th-century German artist, Lucas Cranach the Elder, was chosen to promote a tony show in London this spring. But at the 11th hour the image was pulled - for being too darn'd sexy for the Tube, London's popular Underground system.
As the U.K.Guardian reports, Cranach had friends in some serious places (they included the redoubtable religious reformer, Martin Luther). But Venus, painted in 1532, has failed the 21st century censorship test.
Transport for London told The Underwire: “Millions of people travel on the London
Underground each day and they have no choice but to view whatever adverts are posted there. We have to take account of the full range of travellers and endeavour not to cause offence in the advertising we display."
Venus, wearing not much more than her smile, will find her audience at the Royal Academy of Arts from next month.
Image:* Royal Academy of Arts, London.*
See also:
*Ticket to Rile? Furor as London Underground Makes Space for New Voice ***
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