Silver statuette of Venus

Unknown

1st–2nd century CE · Silver · Greek and Roman Art

The Roman goddess Venus was early assimilated to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Her cult remained very popular throughout the Roman period, and many votive bronze statuettes have survived. Examples in silver, however, are rare, and this is an unusually large one, modeled on Hellenistic prototypes. Venus holds an apple in her left hand, a reference to her victory in the legendary beauty contest with Juno (Hera) and Minerva (Athena) that was judged by Paris, son of King Priam of Troy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st–2nd century CE

Medium

Silver

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Christos G. Bastis, in honor of Philippe de Montebello, 1995