The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture, believed to have been created sometime between 130 and 100 BCE. It is a marble statue depicting Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who was known to the Romans as Venus.
The statue was discovered on April 8, 1820, on the Aegean island of Milos by a peasant named Yorgos Kentrotas. It was found in two main pieces (the upper body and the lower part) along with several other fragments. The arms were never found, leading to numerous speculations about their original position.
The Venus de Milo stands at a height of about 203 cm (6 feet 8 inches). The statue is characterized by its contrapposto stance, where the weight is placed on one leg, causing the hips and shoulders to tilt. This posture was common in ancient Greek art to convey a sense of movement and realism. The figure's drapery, which covers only the lower body, is intricately carved, enhancing the statue's sensuality and grace. The statue's surface shows signs of weathering and damage, which has led to discussions about its original appearance and how much of the current state is due to intentional artistic choices or later damage.
Originally, the Venus de Milo was attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles, but later scholarship has debated this attribution. Current theories suggest it might be the work of Alexander of Antioch. The statue's style suggests it might have been influenced by the Hellenistic school, known for its more dynamic and emotional approach to sculpture compared to the classical period.
After its discovery, the Venus de Milo was initially purchased by the French ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Charles-François de Riffardeau, Marquis de Rivière, who then presented it to King Louis XVIII. There was some controversy surrounding its acquisition, as it was claimed that the Ottoman authorities on Milos had intended to send it to the Ottoman Sultan. The statue was then donated to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it has been displayed since 1821, becoming one of its most celebrated pieces.
The missing arms of the Venus de Milo have led to various interpretations about what they might have originally held or the gesture they were making. Some theories include her holding a shield or an apple, while others suggest she might have been in the act of adjusting her hair or clothing.
The Venus de Milo has become an icon of classical beauty and has influenced countless artists and sculptors. Its image has been used in various forms of media and merchandise, symbolizing the epitome of feminine beauty in Western art.