THE IMAGE OF APHRODITE IN ANCIENT SCULPTURE

INSPIRED BY A CYPRUS BEAUTY

Inspiring Aphrodite Works of Art

Born from the foamy waters by APHRODITE’S ROCK, in Cyprus, the accepted contemporary image of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, has inspired several works of art throughout the ages. As a result, sculptors have used this image of Aphrodite in ancient sculpture in the most accepted contemporary form to significantly influence the visual arts of each subsequent era. This was especially apparent across the greater Mediterranean, where this accepted image went on to inspire several ancient sculptors throughout the subsequent centuries. 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 this work is said to be the first depiction of the goddess in the accepted image. Praxiteles is also said to have had a hetaera pose nude for it.

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

Discovered near Rome in the first half of the 18th century, the statue of Venus of Tauride is a treasure of antiquity that dates back to the 2nd century. A connoisseur of several works of art, it was acquired by Peter the Great of Russia. It adopted its current name after it was displayed 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 in the accepted form. The image of this particular statue also once proudly adorned the Cyprus £20 bank note. This was before the island adopted the Euro.