Panel of Venus, “Pudica Type”

Unknown

4th–6th century · Bone · Medieval Art

Carved in relief on the convex side of a bone panel, a nude female figure stands in contrapposto with her left leg bent and left hip rotated inward. Turning her face as if to avoid our gaze, she reaches her right hand across her body to hide her breasts while her left hand covers her groin. A large cloth falls behind her body in loose folds, exposing her nakedness. This pose is known as the Venus Pudica, or "modest Venus," and refers to the ancient Greek type of female nude.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–6th century

Medium

Bone

Culture

Late Roman/Early Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020