19th century bronze garden statue venus
A, near life-size, 19th century French cast iron statue depicting the Venus de Medici. This statue is a high quality cast after the antique marble Venus de Medici sculpture in the Uffizi. This was one of the few surviving antique marbles in Florence and a prime attraction for Grand Tourists of the 18th century. The Uffizi Venus became one of the most celebrated examples of antique sculpture, revered as the most beautiful of Venuses and described by the 17th century diarist John Evelyn as a 'miracle of art'. The Medici Venus is a life-size Hellenistic marble sculpture depicting the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. The goddess is depicted in a fugitive, momentary pose, as if surprised in the act of emerging from the sea, to which the dolphin at her feet alludes. The goddess was said to have sprung from the dark-blue depths of the sea and was nurtured by the foam from the frothing waves. Classical mythological figure of Venus, in her 'pudica' pose, Modest Venus, as it appears she is trying to cover her breasts and genitals with her hands. This nude goddess is an early depiction of female beauty, a subject which has a very long and strong tradition in art. This particular piece was cast by the famous French Durenne foundery and originally finished with a bronze patina.
Height: 69.69 in. (177 cm)Width: 23.63 in. (60 cm)Depth: 23.63 in. (60 cm)
Ref. 10002
