Ancient Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A finely carved white marble head of Venus (Greek Aphrodite) - this type known as the Venus Genetrix (also Aphrodite Frejus or the Louvre-Naples type, taking its name from the most well-preserved example in the Louvre, which was previously believed to have been found at Frejus, however is know known to have come from the vicinity of Naples. She faces forward with 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 above the nape of her neck with flowing tresses softly flowing before her earlobes. The goddess' elegant, oval face is sensitively modeled so as to present a naturalistic visage 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, slightly-parted lips. Size: 7.5" H (19 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on included custom stand.

A breathtaking representation of the goddess who possessed such sublime beauty that she inspired much rivalry among the gods, all of whom wished to make her his wife. According to classical mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) determined that Venus (Aphrodite) would marry Vulcan (Hephaestus), the handicapped blacksmith god. Vulcan in turn created a magical girdle to guarantee her fidelity. Unfortunately for him, the Goddess of Love and Beauty proved unfaithful. Venus (Aphrodite) has inspired countless representations in visual culture, among the most famous, Attic sculptor Praxitele's "Aphrodite of Knidos" (ca. 360 to 330 BCE) and Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" (1484-86).

A very similar Roman marble head of Venus Genetrix sold for $87,500 at Christie's in New York (Antiquities, 25 October 2016). - https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-marble-head-of-venus-circa-6029331-details.aspx

According to the Christie's description, "Scholars have attempted to attribute the lost original to the sculptors Kallimachos or Aklamenes, and while the style certainly evokes the late 5th century B.C., such attributions have proven inconclusive. The identification of the type as Venus Genetrix is confirmed by inscriptions on Roman coins, although other Venus types also bear the same inscription. See A. Delivorrias, "Aphrodite," in LIMC, Vol. II, nos. 225-240 and M. True and A. Kozloff, A Passion for Antiquities, Ancient Art from the Collection of Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman, pp. 346-349."

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-La Reine Margot, a third generation antiquities dealer in Paris, France

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#135095

Old losses to the neckline, areas of the chignon and other sections of her coiffure, and edges of earlobes. Areas of restoration to the nose, lips, and possibly other high-pointed areas, but very well done. Minute nicks and areas of earthen deposits on the surface.