Fréjus Aphrodite Venus Genetrix Life Size Statue

Color
White Marble
Aged Patina

Our Venus Genetrix - Fréjus Aphrodite Life-size Statue is a meticulously crafted reproduction of the Roman copy of an original Greek bronze sculpture, representing the goddess Aphrodite (Venus), the embodiment of beauty and love. This iconic figure, holding the apple awarded to her by Paris in the infamous beauty contest of the goddesses, stands as a symbol of both her unrivaled beauty and her influential role in Greek and Roman mythology. The original of this statue, known as the Fréjus Aphrodite, can be found in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it continues to captivate art lovers from around the world.

This life-size replica stands at 178 cm (69.4 inches) tall and is sculpted from a blend of natural white marble and architectural resin, materials chosen to replicate the original texture and feel of ancient masterpieces while ensuring durability and long-lasting beauty. The statue's dimensions—52 cm (20.3 inches) in both width and depth—make it a striking yet elegantly proportioned piece, perfectly suited for display in classical interiors, formal gardens, or as a centerpiece in art collections. Weighing 100 kg (220 lbs), this statue has a substantial presence that is both graceful and commanding.

The Myth of Venus Genetrix: The Goddess of Love and Beauty

In classical mythology, Venus (Aphrodite) is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, revered as one of the most important deities in both the Greek and Roman pantheons. Her beauty was so great that she was awarded the title of the most beautiful goddess by Paris, the prince of Troy, during the famous mythological event known as the Judgment of Paris. In this contest, Paris was tasked with deciding which of three goddesses—Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite—was the fairest. Each goddess offered him a reward for his favor, but it was Aphrodite’s promise of the love of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen of Troy, that swayed him. In recognition of her victory, Paris gave Aphrodite the golden apple, which she holds delicately in this statue.

The depiction of Venus Genetrix is particularly significant because it portrays the goddess not only as a figure of physical beauty but also as the genetrix, or mother, a title associated with her role as a progenitor of life and the goddess of fertility. This aspect of Venus highlights her power to bring forth life, making her a symbol of both physical and generative beauty.

The History of the Fréjus Aphrodite: From Antiquity to the Louvre

The Fréjus Aphrodite is one of the most celebrated Roman copies of a Greek original. The original statue was created in bronze by an unknown Greek sculptor, likely during the Classical period of ancient Greece, which flourished from the 5th to the 4th centuries B.C. During the Roman Empire, many such Greek originals were reproduced in marble to decorate the homes and public spaces of wealthy Romans, who greatly admired Greek art and culture.

This particular statue was discovered in Fréjus, France, hence its name, and it quickly became one of the most important pieces in the collection of ancient Roman art. It was later moved to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is now displayed alongside other masterpieces of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. The elegance of the statue, combined with the delicate details of the goddess’s features and posture, has made the Fréjus Aphrodite one of the most admired sculptures from antiquity.

Dimensions and Features

Standing at 178 cm (69.4 inches) tall, the Venus Genetrix statue is a life-size work of art that captures the viewer’s attention with its stunning proportions and the delicate grace of the goddess’s form. The statue’s carefully balanced dimensions make it an ideal piece for both indoor and outdoor display, offering an impressive presence without overwhelming its surroundings.

  1. Height: At nearly 180 cm, the statue’s height is reflective of the grand scale used in ancient Roman copies of Greek originals. This life-size depiction allows viewers to fully appreciate the goddess’s form, from the subtle curve of her hips to the gentle sway of her robes.

  2. Width and Depth: The statue’s width and depth, both measuring 52 cm (20.3 inches), give it a balanced and proportional presence. These dimensions ensure that the statue has a harmonious appearance from all angles, with the flow of the drapery and the positioning of Venus’s body creating a sense of movement and grace.

  3. Weight: Weighing 100 kg (220 lbs), the statue is substantial enough to remain stable in a variety of settings, while its construction from natural white marble and architectural resin ensures that it is both durable and lightweight enough for easy placement.

Craftsmanship: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The Venus Genetrix Life-size Statue is crafted using a combination of natural white marble and architectural resin, materials that are carefully selected to replicate the look and feel of ancient sculptures while providing enhanced durability for modern display. The artisans who created this piece employed both traditional and modern sculpting techniques to ensure that every detail of the original statue was faithfully reproduced.

  1. Natural White Marble: The use of natural white marble allows the statue to capture the light in the same way as ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, giving it a luminous and lifelike appearance. Marble is prized for its smooth texture and ability to reveal intricate details, making it the ideal material for recreating the fine features of Venus’s face, the delicate folds of her drapery, and the graceful curve of her body.

  2. Architectural Resin: The inclusion of architectural resin in the construction of the statue ensures that it is both lightweight and durable, making it suitable for outdoor display in gardens or courtyards as well as indoor settings. Resin also allows for greater flexibility in capturing the intricate details of the statue, from the apple in Venus’s hand to the texture of her flowing robes.

Pose and Expression: The Divine Grace of Venus

The Venus Genetrix statue portrays the goddess in a classic and timeless pose. With her left hand, she delicately holds the golden apple awarded to her by Paris, symbolizing her status as the most beautiful of all the goddesses. Her right hand is raised to gently adjust the folds of her robe, a gesture that emphasizes her natural elegance and the fluidity of her movements.

  1. Contrapposto Stance: Venus’s body is depicted in the traditional contrapposto stance, a hallmark of classical sculpture, where the weight of the body is shifted onto one leg while the other is relaxed. This creates a sense of balance and movement, giving the statue a lifelike quality that invites the viewer to walk around and admire it from every angle.

  2. Graceful Drapery: The flowing drapery of Venus’s robes is a masterful representation of the sculptor’s skill. The folds of the fabric are rendered with incredible precision, creating a sense of lightness and movement that contrasts beautifully with the solidity of the marble. The drapery also serves to highlight the goddess’s form, subtly revealing the curves of her body while maintaining her modesty.

  3. Facial Expression: Venus’s face is depicted with serene beauty, her features soft and idealized in the classical style. Her gaze is calm and introspective, inviting the viewer to contemplate her divine nature and the power of her beauty. The gentle curve of her lips and the delicate arch of her brows suggest a quiet confidence, a reflection of her role as the goddess of love and desire.

A Timeless Work of Art: Bringing Classical Elegance to Your Space

The Venus Genetrix (Fréjus Aphrodite) Life-size Statue is not only a stunning work of art but also a piece of history, offering a connection to the classical world and the timeless beauty of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. Whether displayed in a garden, a classical interior, or an art gallery, this statue is sure to inspire admiration and awe with its graceful proportions and exquisite craftsmanship.