|
| Title: |
Aphrodite Genetrix type |
| Context: |
Possibly from Athens |
| Summary: |
Aphrodite wearing a loose-fitting chiton |
| Object Function: |
Cult? |
| Sculptor: |
Suggested attribution to Kallimachos |
| Sculpture Type: |
Free-standing statue |
| Category: |
Original/copies |
| Style: |
High Classical |
| Technique: |
In-the-round |
| Original or Copy: |
Original (lost) |
| Date: |
ca. 410 BC |
| Scale: |
Life-size |
| Region: |
Attica |
| Period: |
High Classical |
Subject Description:
As restored from copies, such as the Aphrodite Frejus, Aphrodite stands in a relaxed pose, with her weight on her forward left leg, and wears a loose-fitting unbelted chiton which has slipped from her left shoulder.
Pliny, NH 35.155 describes a work by Arkesilaos, the Venus Genetrix cult statue for Caesar's Forum (begun in 51 B.C. and dedicated in 46 B.C.), which was dedicated before it was completed. The Venus labelled "Genetrix" on Hadrianic coins of the empress Sabina, which has been compared to the high classical type represented by the Aphrodite Frejus, is thus taken as the Venus Genetrix type mentioned by Arkesilaos, who may have been following an original sometimes attributed to Kallimachos. Neither attribution is certain, however.
Condition: Lost
Sources Used: Stewart 1990, 167