Cast-iron replica of the Venus de' Medici. Statuette - 25 cm (No reserve price)

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Ruth Garrido Vila
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
IT
€1

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Massive iron replica of the Venus de Medici (Venus Pudica), 25 cm high and about 2 kg, finished in a warm bronze patina, unsigned and in excellent vintage condition, originating from Italy.

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Description from the seller

Classic Cast/Iron Replica of the 'Venus de' Medici' (Venus Pudica) – 25 cm / 2 kg

Solid cast-iron statuette of the 'Venus de' Medici' (Venus Pudica) – Based on the classical Hellenistic origin

A heavy and finely finished classic cast-iron statue of Venus (Greek: Aphrodite), rendered in a warm bronze patina. The object is a high-quality reduced replica of one of the most celebrated and copied masterpieces of classical antiquity: the Venus de' Medici.
Background & Historical Role in Ancient Culture:
The Origin of the Statue:
The original marble statue (kept in the famous Tribune of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence) is a Hellenistic masterwork from the 1st century BC, produced in Athens. It is based on the iconic tradition of the Knidian Aphrodite by the Greek master sculptor Praxiteles (4th century BC) – the very first monumental nude of a goddess in Western art history.
The Role in Ancient Culture (Venus Pudica):
In Greek-Roman antiquity this motif – the Venus Pudica ("modest Venus") – depicted the goddess of love, fertility and beauty at the moment she is surprised while rising from the sea. With her graceful, slightly twisted body posture (contrapposto) she discreetly covers her breast and groin. This depicted not only divine sensuality but also reflected ancient classical values of modesty, allure and the ideal proportions of human anatomy.
An Icon Through the Ages:
In the Roman imperial era marble and bronze variants of this type adorned the baths, gardens and villas of the Roman elite. During the Renaissance and the Grand Tour period in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Venus de' Medici was regarded as the absolute pinnacle of classical sculpture and the ultimate symbol of female beauty.

Features & Condition:
Type: Archaeological / Classical reduced replica
Material: Solid cast iron with a warm, multitone bronze finish (patina)
Height: 25 cm
Weight: About 2.0 kg (exceptionally heavy, solid casting quality)
Condition: In excellent vintage/antique condition with a beautiful uniform patina and characteristic, fine casting texture on the surface. The underside of the plinth is precisely ground for optimal stability, with the raw metal visible beneath the surface.

Why this lot is special for the collector:
Because of its strikingly high weight of 2 kg in a handy 25 cm size, this lot feels particularly solid and valuable. A beautiful, timeless and elegant collectible for lovers of classical antiquity, the Grand Tour style and historic sculpture!

Classic Cast/Iron Replica of the 'Venus de' Medici' (Venus Pudica) – 25 cm / 2 kg

Solid cast-iron statuette of the 'Venus de' Medici' (Venus Pudica) – Based on the classical Hellenistic origin

A heavy and finely finished classic cast-iron statue of Venus (Greek: Aphrodite), rendered in a warm bronze patina. The object is a high-quality reduced replica of one of the most celebrated and copied masterpieces of classical antiquity: the Venus de' Medici.
Background & Historical Role in Ancient Culture:
The Origin of the Statue:
The original marble statue (kept in the famous Tribune of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence) is a Hellenistic masterwork from the 1st century BC, produced in Athens. It is based on the iconic tradition of the Knidian Aphrodite by the Greek master sculptor Praxiteles (4th century BC) – the very first monumental nude of a goddess in Western art history.
The Role in Ancient Culture (Venus Pudica):
In Greek-Roman antiquity this motif – the Venus Pudica ("modest Venus") – depicted the goddess of love, fertility and beauty at the moment she is surprised while rising from the sea. With her graceful, slightly twisted body posture (contrapposto) she discreetly covers her breast and groin. This depicted not only divine sensuality but also reflected ancient classical values of modesty, allure and the ideal proportions of human anatomy.
An Icon Through the Ages:
In the Roman imperial era marble and bronze variants of this type adorned the baths, gardens and villas of the Roman elite. During the Renaissance and the Grand Tour period in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Venus de' Medici was regarded as the absolute pinnacle of classical sculpture and the ultimate symbol of female beauty.

Features & Condition:
Type: Archaeological / Classical reduced replica
Material: Solid cast iron with a warm, multitone bronze finish (patina)
Height: 25 cm
Weight: About 2.0 kg (exceptionally heavy, solid casting quality)
Condition: In excellent vintage/antique condition with a beautiful uniform patina and characteristic, fine casting texture on the surface. The underside of the plinth is precisely ground for optimal stability, with the raw metal visible beneath the surface.

Why this lot is special for the collector:
Because of its strikingly high weight of 2 kg in a handy 25 cm size, this lot feels particularly solid and valuable. A beautiful, timeless and elegant collectible for lovers of classical antiquity, the Grand Tour style and historic sculpture!

Details

Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Style
Antique inspired
Material
Cast-iron replica of the Venus de' Medici.
Title of artwork
Venus de Medici
Signature
Not signed
Colour
Bronze
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
25 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
5 cm
Weight
2 kg
Sold by
The NetherlandsVerified
1295
Objects sold
Private

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