TFL Bans Cranach’s Venus From Underground

A Royal Academy advert (shown above) featuring Lucas Cranach the Elder’s 16th century painting depicting the Roman goddess, Venus, has been ruled unsuitable for display on the London Underground by Transport For London.

The painting from 1532, regarded by many as a masterpiece, shows Venus – the goddess of Love – in a state of nudity. This prompted TFL to veto its use on the tube network, citing their guidelines which don’t allow adverts to “depict men, women or children in a sexual manner, or display nude or semi-nude figures in an overtly sexual context”.

The RA hit back with Head of Press and Marketing, Jennifer Francis telling Reuters, “We are disappointed and find it quite ridiculous in this day and age”.

The advert was intended to promote a new exhibition Cranach’s work, running at the RA from March 8th until June 8th. Find out out more by visiting the Royal Academy of Arts’ website.

What do you think of this decision? Would the use of this advert offend you? Use the comments form to share your views…

See also: Buy Lucas Cranach the Elder Posters