Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in ancient Greek mythology, symbolizes beauty, love, desire, and fertility. In Roman mythology, she is known as Venus. There are two main origin stories: one claims she was born from the sea foam (as mentioned in Hesiod’s Theogony) and appeared on the shores of Cyprus; the other states she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione (as noted in Homer’s Iliad). Her image is celebrated for its unmatched beauty, making her an eternal source of inspiration for artists and sculptors. Below, we introduce eight classic sculptures inspired by Aphrodite, exploring their forms and beauty.
1. Venus de Milo
Material: Marble
Location: Louvre Museum, France
This sculpture is one of the most famous representations of Aphrodite, known for its missing arms, adding a sense of mystery. Dressed in a flowing gown, the drapery elegantly showcases the soft curves of the female form, balancing grace and strength, conveying a timeless beauty.
2. Aphrodite of Knidos
Creator: Praxiteles
Material: Original lost; only replicas exist
This sculpture is considered the first to depict Aphrodite in the nude, pioneering female nude art. She shyly covers her body, expressing a subtle yet sensual beauty. The sculpture is renowned for its natural proportions and graceful pose.
3. Capitoline Venus
Material: Marble
Location: Capitoline Museums, Italy
This sculpture, derived from the Aphrodite of Knidos, emphasizes intricate details and showcases the softness of female skin. With a modest pose, it reveals both shyness and confidence, representing exemplary Roman art.
4. Medici Venus
Material: Marble
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
This sculpture captures Aphrodite at the moment of bathing. It conveys dynamic beauty with a slight twist of her body and arms covering her modesty. The delicate lines and fluid posture embody the essence of classical art.
5. Aphrodite, Pan, and Eros
Material: Marble
Location: National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece
This lively group sculpture shows Aphrodite gracefully resisting Pan’s advances while the playful Eros looks on. The piece is filled with drama and humor, perfectly illustrating both the divinity and humanity of Aphrodite.
6. Venus of Arles
Material: Marble
Location: Louvre Museum, France
This elegant statue of Aphrodite depicts her holding an apple (a symbol of beauty). With balanced proportions and a serene expression, it represents a solemn beauty, exemplifying classic Roman sculpture.
7. Aphrodite of Rhodes
Material: Marble
Location: Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, Greece
Also known as “Crouching Venus,” this sculpture from the Hellenistic period shows Aphrodite in a squatting pose, hands raised to arrange her hair, displaying a relaxed and natural beauty. The statue is about 61 cm tall, crafted from a single block of marble, showcasing elegance and delicacy.
8. Venus Callipyge
Material: Marble
Location: National Archaeological Museum, Naples, Italy
“Callipyge” means “Venus of the Beautiful Buttocks.” This sculpture features Venus turning slightly to gaze at her posterior. The graceful and alluring posture reflects the ancient Greek understanding of the beauty of the human form, embodying both admiration and humor.
9. Venus with the Apple
Material: Marble
Location: Louvre Museum, Paris, France
This sculpture depicts Venus holding the “golden apple,” symbolizing her victory in the “Judgment of Paris” over Hera and Athena for the title of “Most Beautiful Goddess.” Her dignified and graceful stance, along with soft body curves, radiates confidence and beauty.
10. Crouching Venus
Material: Marble
Location: British Museum, London; Louvre Museum, etc. (various replicas)
This sculpture shows Venus in a squatting position while bathing, believed to be one of Praxiteles’ masterpieces. Shyly turning her body and covering her modesty, the piece exudes dynamic tension. The following muscle lines highlight the natural beauty of the female form.
Aphrodite sculptures showcase the respect and admiration ancient artists had for female beauty. These works reach artistic peaks in proportion, movement, and expression, serving as symbols of beauty across different eras.
Bringing Classic Aphrodite Sculptures to Every Corner
As a professional marble carving factory, we aim to replicate classic sculptures. Whether it’s the Venus de Milo or the Aphrodite of Knidos, we recreate these artistic treasures with exquisite craftsmanship and modern technology. We believe that these timeless sculptures should not only remain in museums but also be part of every art lover’s living space, be it in gardens, courtyards, or indoor décor.
Let’s together make Aphrodite’s eternal beauty shine anew in the modern world.
Trevi’s Aphrodite Sculpture Replicas
Our marble carving factory is dedicated to restoring every detail of these classic sculptures. From muscle lines to facial expressions, from selecting the original marble materials to intricate hand carving, we pursue the ultimate in artistry with a craftsman’s spirit. Below are some of the Aphrodite sculptures we have carved for clients worldwide.
If you are interested in Aphrodite sculptures, feel free to contact us for a catalog and pricing.
