bronze statue by ryan stegman depressing, artificial. the painting of the goddess venus, who is born from the sea, being blown towards the shore by the wind god zephyr. on the shore, the goddess of love, beauty, & fertility, is greeted by the nymphs who attend to her. the painting is a masterful example of use of color, light, & perspective. the figures are depicted in graceful poses, & the overall effect is one of serenity & beauty.