Rokeby Venus its central use of a mirror, and because it shows the body of Venus turned away from the observer of the painting. The "Rokeby Venus" is the only surviving female nude by Velázquez. Nudes were extremely rare in seventeenth-century Spanish art, which was policed actively by members of the Spanish Inquisition. Despite this, nudes by foreign artists were keenly collected by the court circle, and this painting was hung in the houses of Spanish courtiers until 1813, when it was brought to England to hang in Rokeby Park, Yorkshire. In 1906, the painting was purchased by National Art Collections Fund
Rokeby Preparatory School distinguished reputation. For many years the pupils Have obtained great honours. With one voice they all proclaim: May Rokeby flourish! O gods, if the school is your work, Which rose one hundred ago From small beginnings, Standing on a hillside, Give to our kindly and receptive Children worthy qualities, So that all may proclaim: May Rokeby flourish! May all the boys who now study In the school show loyalty, Grace, honour, modesty And old-fashioned virtues, And continue in the Rokeby manner For many years to come. Let everyone with one voice proclaim: May Rokeby flourish!</poem> School fees per term for