THE IMAGE OF APHRODITE IN ANCIENT SCULPTURE

INSPIRED BY A CYPRUS BEAUTY

Inspiring Aphrodite Works of Art

The image of Aphrodite in ancient sculpture, in the most accepted contemporary form, has significantly influenced the visual arts of subsequent eras across the greater Mediterranean throughout the ages. As a result, the accepted image of the goddess of love and beauty has inspired ancient sculptors throughout the subsequent centuries. Born from the foamy waters by APHRODITE’S ROCK, this image of the goddess of love and beauty has inspired several inspiring works of art, using her accepted contemporary image. This is further enhanced by the fact that this depiction of the goddess 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 the ‘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 today. This is because Praxiteles is said to have had a hetaera pose nude for it, and the first depiction of the goddess in the accepted image.

Several Antique Works of Art

Today, there are several examples of antique works of art that have been created in the accepted image of Aphrodite. These adorn some of the greatest museums across the world. One such work, which is exhibited today in the Hermitage Museum, is known as the statue of Venus of Tauride. Like several others, it 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. Discovered near Rome in the first half of the 18th century, it was later acquired by the Russian ruler Peter the Great. A connoisseur of several works of art, he went on to exhibit the work in the Tauride Palace in Saint Petersburg, where it adopted its current name.

The Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia

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