- Tourist Information
- Why is Venus de Milo or Aphrodite of Milos famous?
- What are the main artistic and stylistic features of the Venus de Milo?
- Why does Venus de Milo have no arms?
- How has this sculpture survived time and the natural elements over two millennia?
- When was Venus de Milo created?
- Where can the statue be seen?
Tourist Information
| Year | 150 – 125 BC |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Where | Louvre Museum |
| When to visit? | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – 9:00 – 18:00 Friday: 9:00 – 21:45 Tuesday – Closed Holidays: The Louvre is closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25. It is open on all other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday, the museum’s closing day. All visitors, including those eligible for free entry, must book a time slot. |
| Louvre Ticket price | 17E |
| Getting there | Metro Station: Louvre – Rivoli |
| Official Site | https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/b2c/index.cfm/home |
| Location | Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France, Europe |
Why is Venus de Milo or Aphrodite of Milos famous?
The statue is believed to be the work of Alexandros of Antioch.
The statue is believed to represent Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Others claim she is the sea goddess Amphitrite, worshiped on the island of Milos.
Venus de Milo is also known as the Aphrodite of Milos.
The name Venus de Milo comes from Venus, the Roman name for Aphrodite, and Milos, the Greek island where the statue was discovered in 1820.
It is an ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture.
It was discovered in 1820, without arms, on the Greek island of Milos, an island between mainland Greece and Crete. The statue was discovered completely by chance while a local farmer was digging in the ground.
Part of an arm and the original plate were lost after its discovery.
What are the main artistic and stylistic features of the Venus de Milo?
Venus de Milo presents a characteristic position called “contrapposto”, in which the weight is distributed evenly on the legs. This position gives the statue a living and natural nature. The fine details of the hair and dress, as well as the delicate expression of the face, are examples of the master sculptor capturing beauty and grace.
Why does Venus de Milo have no arms?
The Venus de Milo sculpture is immediately recognizable by its lack of arms. No one knows exactly what happened to the arms, but it is believed that the statue once occupied a niche in the wall of a temple. With one hand he most likely held his cloth around his waist, while in the other he had an apple that he was looking at contemplatively.
Theories Regarding Missing Hands:
- It is assumed that he would have stood with his left hand on the shoulder of a warrior: Mars or Theseus.
- She was depicted as holding an apple, a mirror, or a laurel wreath.
- Another theory says that it is a mother holding her child.
- Another theory supposes that he would have held a shield in his hand.
How has this sculpture survived time and the natural elements over two millennia?
The sculpture was made of Paros marble, a durable material, which contributed to its preservation over two millennia. Also, the fact that it was buried and protected during archaeological excavations contributed to its preservation.
When was Venus de Milo created?
It was created between 130 and 100 BC.
The statue is made of white Paros marble and is 203 cm tall.
Where can the statue be seen?
After the purchase of the sculpture by the French ambassador, Louis-Charles de Marigny, Venus de Milo was transported to France and presented to the public in 1821. It became part of the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum and has remained an iconic attraction in this museum.
To see the Venus de Milo statue at the Louvre, go to Gallery 16 on the ground floor of the Sully Wing.
Near the Venus de Milo, you’ll find numerous other ancient Greek and Roman works of art and artifacts. These may include other sculptures, vessels, jewelry, and artifacts that can give you more insight into the culture and context in which the Venus de Milo was created.
