Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A petite marble torso of a female, likely a goddess such as the youthful Venus (Greek Aphrodite) - with bare perky breasts, neck, shoulders and upper arms finely delineated. Although a section from a larger work, what remains of the upper arms suggests that the left arm was raised while the right arm either rested by her side or across her lower body. Characteristically depicted as a sensual, youthful woman, Venus was perceived as the ideal of Roman beauty. Size: 2.875" H (7.3 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Venus' beauty inspired rivalry among the gods, all of whom wished to make her his wife. According to classical mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) determined that Venus (Aphrodite) would marry Vulcan (Hephaestus), the handicapped blacksmith god. Vulcan in turn created a magical girdle to guarantee her fidelity. Unfortunately for him, the Goddess of Love and Beauty proved unfaithful. Venus (Aphrodite) has inspired countless representations in visual culture, among the most famous, Attic sculptor Praxiteles's "Aphrodite of Knidos" (ca. 360 to 330 BCE) and Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" (1484-86).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#139839

  • Condition: A section from a larger sculpture. Perforation to neck suggests that the head was carved separately. Surface wear with earthen encrustations and mineral deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 10, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000