Ancient Rome, Hellenistic period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A finely carved white marble head depicting Aphrodite/Venus, the goddess of romantic love depicted with her head ever so slightly tipped to the left, her attractive coiffure parted at the center and swept back along the contours of her diadem, the long, wavy locks meticulously delineated and arranged in a twist at the nape of her neck that resolves in two flowing tresses. The goddess' elegant, oval face is sensitively modeled so as to present a naturalistic visage characteristic of the Hellenistic period with a rounded forehead, large and generously lidded almond-shaped eyes, a fine browline that arches gracefully and merges with the bridge of her nose, a soft rounded chin, and full, bow-shaped, pursed lips. Worth noting are the lovely ripples of skin on her neck, an indication that Classical beauty standards were very different from our modern "Twiggy-esque" supermodel ideal. Take another look at Praxiteles' infamous "Aphrodite of Knidos" (ca. 360-330 BCE) and you will see that she has a soft belly and several dimples on her back. What's more, the anatomy of the "Lely's Venus" (ca. 100 to 199 CE) also displays voluptuous folds and rolls. No doubt both of these ancient depictions were important influences on the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640) who was famous for his sensual paintings of plump ladies with several chins. A breathtaking sculptural representation of the goddess whose sublime beauty legendarily inspired much rivalry among the gods, not to mention countless depictions throughout art history, among the most famous, the Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" (1484-86), Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens' "Judgement of Paris" (ca. 1636), and of course, Attic sculptor Praxitele's "Aphrodite of Knidos" (ca. 360-330 BCE) and the equally famous "Lely's Venus" (ca. 100 to 199 CE). Custom, museum quality mount. Size: 6.75" L x 6.75" W x 9.25" H (17.1 cm x 17.1 cm x 23.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Michaelsen Collection, Washington

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This head was exposed to salt over a very long time period possibly from exposure to sea water or an environment high in evaporated salt. As a result, it had become very fragile with the surface developing an almost chalky texture. It has been soaked in distilled water for an extended period since it has come into our possession. It was then stabilized with a light polymer solution. It is now far more stable and should survive for another 2300 years with proper care.