Vénus de Milo (Aphrodite of Milos)
Sculpture, free-standing monumental statue • Alexandros of Antioch (originally attributed to Praxiteles but corrected based on a lost plinth inscription)
Style & Movement
Hellenistic Greek; characterized by a blend of Classical serenity and Hellenistic innovation (spiral composition/contrapposto)
Medium & Technique
Parian marble; subtractive carving using chisels and drills, originally composed of multiple blocks joined by metal dowels.
Creation Period
Hellenistic period, circa 150-125 BC
Dimensions & Format
Height: 202 cm (6 ft 8 in) excluding the base; vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A representation of Aphrodite (Venus), the Greek goddess of love. The figure is semi-nude, with heavy drapery slipping from her hips. The serpentine 'S-curve' or 'spiral' composition is a hallmark of late Hellenistic art.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering age); fragmentary state with missing limbs and weathered surfaces
Estimated Market Value
Inestimable (National Treasure of France)
Auction Estimate
Not applicable; considered a priceless cultural property belonging to the Louvre Museum
Provenance History
Discovered in 1820 on the island of Milos by a peasant; acquired by the Marquis de Rivière and presented to King Louis XVIII of France; entered the Louvre Museum in 1821.
Art Historical Significance
One of the most famous examples of ancient Greek sculpture. It represents the transition from the Classical tradition to the more dynamic Hellenistic style and has been a primary icon of female beauty in Western art since its discovery.
Notable Features
The distinctive lack of arms has become a defining characteristic; the use of separate blocks for the lower and upper body; the 'Melos' or 'Milos' origin noted for its high-quality marble.
Condition Issues
Absence of both arms; missing left foot and original jewelry (earring holes visible); surface abrasions and pitting consistent with 2000 years of environmental exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity and temperature within museum settings; periodic cleaning of surface dust; structural monitoring of the joints between the major marble blocks.