Early 20th-Century Grand Tour Italian Carved White Marble Statuette After the Venus of Cyrene

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Description

Early 20th-century Italian carved marble statuette depicting Venus (Aphrodite), after the celebrated classical Venus of Cyrene, discovered in Libya in … Read more Early 20th-century Italian carved marble statuette depicting Venus (Aphrodite), after the celebrated classical Venus of Cyrene, discovered in Libya in 1913. The statuette depicts the Venus of Cyrene as discovered in 1913, preserving the fragmentary form of the ancient marble, with its head and arms absent. The standing figure retains the softly modeled torso and legs, accompanied by a dolphin and cascading drapery that form an integral sculptural support. The dolphin, a traditional attribute of Venus, references the goddess's mythological association with the sea.
The figure exhibits softly modeled anatomy, a subtle contrapposto stance, and finely carved details. The white marble has developed a warm ivory patina, with natural variations in tone that accentuate the sculpture's form.
The statuette reflects the Italian tradition of producing small-scale marble interpretations of celebrated Greek and Roman antiquities for collectors and travelers. Its fragmentary presentation evokes the archaeological discoveries that inspired Neoclassical and Grand Tour sculpture.

Origin: Italy
Period: Early 20th century
Subject: Venus of Cyrene (Aphrodite Anadyomene)
Material: Hand-carved white marble
Dimensions: 11" H × 4" W × 3" D

Condition: Good antique condition with age-related patination, surface wear, scattered abrasions, minor dings, and areas of discoloration. Minor wear consistent with age and handling. See less