Venus Anadyomene can be traced back to early Greek mythology. Venus or alternatively known as Aphrodite, was born rising from the sea in a scallop shell as an adult woman and is a classical icon whose meaning has survived unchanged from Antiquity via the Renaissance to the present day.

Her main attributes being patron goddess of prostitutes on the one other hand and on the other a protector of virginity.

Her ambiguous attributes and her ancient origins as ancient deity to modern sex symbol is a fascinating connection beloved by artists and notable pictures have been painted by artists such as Botticelli,Titian, Picasso, etc.

The start of the painting had no clear connection with the classical story but as elements developed – for example the sea and cliffs at West Bay Dorset; a love of seafood; a fleeting impression of a passing woman; butterflies and flying fish all combined to make the composition.

However, now that the narrative has been anchored the most important task is to find a visual structure worthwhile to meet the challenge of this ancient legend.

The changing developments and retrogrades are part of the process and the painting is going through modifications in order to recognize an acceptable formal solution.