Statuette of Aphrodite Possibly 509

This statuette of Aphrodite was made by Praxiteles using bronze. The figure’s sensuality derives not just from her nudity, but from the very nature of the metal. Cool to the touch, and easily marked or scratched, bronze is a very intimate material. We know that the Greeks and Romans would polish their bronze sculptures. The statue would be smooth, and even reflective, playing with light and shadow. Consider the lost-wax casting method used to make this statue. It’s an indirect, labor-intensive process requiring a highly skilled artisan. The bronze would be heated to a very high temperature, then poured into a mold. After it cooled, the mold would be broken away to reveal the sculpture within. When you look at this object, ask yourself: what does it mean to represent the goddess of love in this way? The hand covering the private area, the head turned to the side, and the missing arm all contribute to the figure’s allure. It’s an aesthetic choice that is inseparable from the making of this art piece.