"Birth of Venus" (see related A), 1875 Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889) Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, USA

This style is typical of the era of Napoleon III and was perpetuated during the era of Queen Victoria - it represents a mode to represent sensuality in the form of fine arts. Notably, present times are less tolerant to such tactics that then. Mr. Cabanel's sensual depictions sold well - note another painting virtually identical exhibited by the Orsay Museum in Paris, France.