The crouching Aphrodite-Venus from the Farnese Collection at the Archaeological Museum of Naples

Aphrodite-Venus in a crouching pose, Farnese Collection, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Aphrodite crouching Sculpture – Marble (Height 122 cm) 1st century

Aphrodite Venus is depicted here as a young, naked woman, crouching in a pose that is both natural and modest, as if she were concealing her private parts.

Let us imagine that she has just emerged from the water and is about to perfume herself with the contents of the small amphora she holds in her hand, whilst running her fingers through her magnificent hair.

She gazes at the water beside her, as if searching for her own reflection.

A bracelet adorns her right wrist, the only piece of jewellery she wears, thus highlighting her natural beauty.

Aphrodite crouching

Aphrodite Vénus accroupie avec Cupidon

Aphrodite Venus crouching with Cupid, Farnese Collection, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Aphrodite with Cupid Sculpture – Marble (Height 122 cm) Mid-2nd century AD

Aphrodite is half-kneeling with one hand resting on her shoulder and her fingers in her hair.

Note the bracelet adorning her left arm, just above the bicep.

She gazes tenderly at her son Cupid, whilst he holds an arrow in his left hand (broken at the palm).

He shows his mother the exact spot he has decided to touch with this arrow.

One senses the determination of little Cupid, his wings clasped behind his back, whilst his legs are spread apart and his right hand rests on Aphrodite’s waist.

Aphrodite with Cupid