This statuette is a scaled-down copy of the so-called "Aphrodite of Knidos" (or "Knidian Aphrodite"). It is one of the most famous works by the Attic sculptor Praxiteles, probably created between 350 and 340 BC and erected in the temple at Knidos.
For the first time in art, a goddess was depicted completely naked, which contributed to her fame. The charisma of this work was so great that it was depicted on coins, for example, and even in Roman times writers such as Pliny reported on it in the naturalis historia (36, 20): "The Venus of Praxiteles surpasses all works of art in the whole world. Many have made the sea voyage to Knidos merely to see this statue". Its creation is closely linked to the hetaera Phryne, who is said to have been Praxiteles' model.
This work is the first to depict the type of the "Venus pudica" (pudica = shamefaced) in art. Here the goddess covers her shame with her right hand while holding the robe in her left. Aphrodite was depicted preparing for the ritual bath to restore her virginity. (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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