Large Carved Limestone Garden Statue From a Property in Nice, France, Circa 1860

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This large limestone garden statue faithfully interprets an original marble statue from 1802 depicting the goddess Venus stepping out of … Read more This large limestone garden statue faithfully interprets an original marble statue from 1802 depicting the goddess Venus stepping out of a bath. Our statue was hand-carved circa 1860 and stands over seven feet tall, which is even larger than the six-foot original by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova.

A thick plinth (nine inches tall at its maximum), which has been carved to resemble rocky terrain, supports the naked and barefoot Venus. The modest goddess covers herself with a gathered piece of fabric that is well-detailed. Venus is looking over her left shoulder and leaning against a tree stump, which is visible from behind. The dark gray stone has a patina that gives areas hues of cream, brown, light gray, and ochre.

Before Napoleon became Emperor of France, he commissioned Canova to sculpt a replacement statue for the recently seized Medici Venus. Canova used this opportunity to craft his own vision, known as Venus Italica. See less