THE IMAGE OF APHRODITE IN ANCIENT SCULPTURE

INSPIRED BY A CYPRUS BEAUTY

Inspiring Aphrodite Works of Art

The mythical depiction of the Greek goddess Aphrodite has significantly influenced the visual arts of subsequent eras across the greater Mediterranean. As a result, the image of the goddess of love and beauty has inspired ancient sculptors for centuries. Born from the foamy waters by APHRODITE’S ROCK, several inspiring Aphrodite works of art, using her accepted contemporary form. exist today because of this. This is further emphasised by the fact that this form holds the record for the number of statues created using a single image!

Aphrodite of Knidos

The most renowned ancient statue of Aphrodite is known as ‘Aphrodite of Knidos’. This work was created by the famous ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles around the 4th century BC. Although this work has not survived, it is still revered because it was the first depiction of the goddess appearing nude. Its importance is further highlighted by the fact that Praxiteles is said to have had a hetaera pose for it.

Several Antique Works of Art

Today, there are several examples of antique works of art, made in the accepted image of Aphrodite. These adorn some of the greatest museums across the world. One of the most famous is the statue of Venus of Tauride, which is exhibited today in the Hermitage Museum. This Roman equivalent of Aphrodite is said to have been created in the likeness of the original Aphrodite of Knidos statue.

The Statue of Venus of Tauride

The statue of Venus of Tauride is a treasure of antiquity that dates back to the 2nd century BC. Discovered near Rome in the first half of the 18th century, it was later acquired by Peter the Great. The Russian ruler was a great connoisseur of several works of art. This work later adopted its current name after it was exhibited in the Tauride Palace in Saint Petersburg.

The Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia

The Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia offers its own sculpture of the goddess. The image of this particular statue once proudly adorned the Cyprus £20 bank note before the island adopted the Euro.