Venus in Art

One of the first known depictions of Venus in art was the ‘Venus of Willendorf’ sculpture, which was discovered in 1908 and dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period. Artist Angelo Accardi Incorporates many features from this historic sculpture and combines elements of the modern world into his work. In his sculpture ‘Stressed Venus’, for example, a traditional-looking Venus is juxtaposed with a luxury shoe that is popular in today’s fashion culture, the ‘red bottom’ heel. This adds an element of unreality and dimension to the artwork.

As beauty ideals have evolved over time, so too have the interpretations of Venus. In ancient Greece, the goddess began to be depicted with a more athletic and slender body. Artist Dorit Levinstein reimagines Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting ‘The Birth of Venus’ in her sculpture ‘Venus (Botticelli).’ Using intricate and clashing patterns with vibrant colors, she gives new life to the goddess of femininity and love. Similarly, Eduardo Kobra’s painting ‘Mermaid’ uses his trademark geometric colored pattern to add a sense of boldness to the goddess as she emerges from a seashell.

Contemporary artist Jisbar challenges cultural identity with his satirical representation of Venus in his work ‘Iconic Venus Money.’ By placing the goddess on the dollar bill, he encourages contemplation on how the world views gender and what values are most prominently regarded in society.

Eden Gallery invites art enthusiasts to explore the diverse perspectives on the enduring subject of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, through the works of its talented contemporary artists. From ancient sculptures to modern representations, the goddess has inspired fascinating art throughout history. Discover these unique interpretations and more on Eden Gallery's website or by visiting a location near you.