16th-Century Cranach Meets 21st-Century Censors

LONDON—Lucas Cranach the Elder’s 1532 painting of Venus, which had been selected as the promotional image for an exhibition of the German Old Master set to open at the Royal Academy of Arts in a few weeks, has been pulled out of concern that it is too racy for the London Tube, reports the Underwire.

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 travelers and endeavor not to cause offense in the advertising we display."

“Cranach” is on view at the Royal Academy from March 8 to June 8.