Venus Italica 1817 - 1828

Antonio Canova, an Italian sculptor, created this marble statue of Venus Italica in the late 18th to early 19th century, a period marked by Neoclassical ideals. Canova sculpted Venus as a response to the Venus de Medici. He aimed to create a new symbol of beauty that reflected Italian identity in a time of political upheaval. The goddess is depicted in a moment of modest retreat, a gesture that speaks to the complex negotiation of female representation in art. Venus's pose, with her hands gently covering her breasts, embodies a tension between display and concealment. This dynamic invites contemplation on the themes of desire, beauty, and the gaze. Through Venus Italica, Canova captured the aesthetic sensibilities of his time. The statue encourages us to consider the lasting power of classical forms in shaping cultural values and individual experiences.