Marble statue of Aphrodite, the so-called Venus Genetrix

Adaptation of work attributed to Kallimachos
1st–2nd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 153
Copy of a Greek bronze statue of the late 5th century B.C. attributed to Kallimachos

This goddess wears a sleeveless, ungirt chiton of thin clinging material that reveals every curve of her body. Her pose—between standing and walking—was developed by the sculptor Polykleitos in the mid-fifth century B.C. She originally lifted one edge of her himation (cloak) with her right hand and probably held an apple in the other.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble statue of Aphrodite, the so-called Venus Genetrix
  • Artist: Adaptation of work attributed to Kallimachos
  • Period: Imperial
  • Date: 1st–2nd century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: H. 59 1/2 in. (151.1 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, 1932
  • Object Number: 32.11.3
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1048. Marble statue of Aphrodite, the so-called Venus
 Genetrix

  1. Marble statue of Aphrodite, the so-called Venus Genetrix

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