Venus (of nymf) op dolfijn 1823 - 1827

Louis Royer made this plaster sculpture of Venus on a Dolphin sometime in the 19th century. Plaster is a humble material, made from gypsum, and it lacks the prestige of marble or bronze. Royer would have built up the form using clay or wax before casting it in plaster. This process allowed for multiple reproductions, democratizing art in a way, though plaster sculptures were often seen as less valuable than unique, hand-carved pieces. Notice the missing arm, a common occurrence with plaster due to its relative fragility. Despite plaster’s associations with mass production, Royer’s skilled hand is evident in the sculpture’s details. The smoothness of Venus’s skin contrasts with the rough texture of the dolphin and base, creating visual interest. The light color of the plaster enhances the play of light and shadow, highlighting the sculpture’s form. Royer challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft by elevating a common material through skillful execution.