Sculpture of an Empress in the Guise of Venus - FZ.041
Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 50 AD to 200 AD
Dimensions: 19.75" (50.2cm) high
Catalogue: V1, V4
Collection: Classical
Style: Roman
Medium: Bronze

In Rome, it was not unusual to celebrate the beauty of the imperial women by comparing them to goddesses. This is probably a sculpture of that flattering type, though it may simply represent an ideal of beauty. The goddess Aphrodite--who possibly held the golden apple prize for the fairest in her missing hand--wears a clinging garment that emphasizes her voluptuous form. With her other hand she lifts a now vanished veil (also perhaps of gold or silver)to reveal her serene loveliness to us. We are enchanted now as then by her beauty, which is timeless, classic, and worthy of a goddess. - (FZ.041)