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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.3411
Title
Venus Anadyomene
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
2nd-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304103

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Mixed copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
6.6 x 2.3 x 1.5 cm (2 5/8 x 7/8 x 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Mixed Copper Alloy:
Cu, 70.18; Sn, 9.09; Pb, 14.48; Zn, 6.07; Fe, 0.06; Ni, 0.03; Ag, 0.03; Sb, 0.05; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001

J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is brownish gray with some cupritic areas. Some imperfections that may be casting flaws are visible, notably on the left arm. Some dings are also present, and the modern lead base obscures bottom of the object.

This small figurine is a solid cast in one piece. The modeling is cursory and shallow, suggesting that it could have been formed in a two-piece mold. The surface is worn and does not preserve any tool marks. The cylindrical lead base that has been cast onto the bottom of the figure obscures any original mounting mechanism.


Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2001)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.3411
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This small statuette of Venus Anadyomene stands on a silver-colored circular base that has threads around it. Her facial features are small and indistinct. She holds up a section of her loose hair with her upraised right hand, and grasps another section at her left shoulder with her left hand. The body of Venus is in a slight S-curve, with her left leg locked and hip out and her right leg bent slightly at the knee, while her upper body curves to the left. Her upper body is completely uncovered, with small breasts and a round belly button indicated. A mantle is draped loosely around her lower body, covering her legs (1).

The statue type of Venus (Aphrodite) Anadyomene depicts the goddess, typically nude or partially nude, rising from the sea at her birth.

NOTES:

1. Compare Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae Aphrodite nos. 446, 545, and 681-84; LIMC Aphrodite (in per. or.) no. 81; and LIMC Venus nos. 138-39, 143-46, and 165.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art
  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu