Bronze Statuette of Venus, Roman Era 2nd century AD

Bronze Statuette of Venus
Roman Era, 2nd century AD

Bronze
H. 28 cm

Provenance:
Before 1946: Private collection, New York
Sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, April 6, 1946, LOT 45 (illustrated)
Purchased by Joseph Brummer (recorded in his inventory)
Private collection, then by descent

This bronze statuette depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. The figure assumes a graceful posture, slightly inclined, reflecting the aesthetic canons of Roman Antiquity influenced by Greek art. She stands on a circular base, her weight resting on one leg in a contrapposto stance.

The goddess is portrayed nude, as is common in representations of Venus, emphasizing her divine and sensual nature. Her arms are missing, but their positioning suggests she may have once held an attribute. Her head is adorned with a radiate crown, possibly indicating an association with Venus-Aphrodite in a solar or triumphant aspect.

This statuette highlights the significance of the cult of Venus in the Roman world, where she was worshipped in multiple forms, including as the protector of Rome (Venus Genetrix) or as a goddess of victory and prosperity. It may have served as a private devotional object in a domestic setting or as a votive offering in a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess.