Large Published Terracotta Statue of Venus

Culture: Roman

Period: 1st-2nd century A.D.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 35.3 cm high

Price: Reserved

Ref: 3721

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number 96. Acquired prior to 1970 Thence in the family estate. With a copy of the collection note and the newspaper publication of 5 June 1970.

Condition: Left leg with some wear and missing parts on the gown between the legs. Legs almost invisibly reattached. Overall, a very large, graceful Venus statuette.

Description: Large terracotta statue of Venus with mirror from an Asian Minor workshop, possibly from Pergamon. The goddess stands unclothed except for a cloak covering her left leg with her weight on her right leg. She has both arms raised, she holds a mirror in her left one, the right one goes to her hair. Her hairstyle is opulently towering to a high bun. Above the forehead the hair is parted in the centre, four long strands cascade in the front over her shoulders. The face of the goddess is graceful and indicates a gentle smile. She wears a necklace with a central medallion around her neck. Her breasts are small and delicate, her pelvis slightly turned outwards. The large, elegant statuette originates from the Roman period. After the 1st century the production of terracotta significantly declined due to the affordability and popularity of bronze. However, the designs from the Roman era often reflect earlier Greek models. This example, which shows Venus at her toilet and caring for her hair, is reminiscent of Hellenistic depictions. See for the type an almost coessential statue with Christie’s New York, auctioned on 28 October 2019, lot 328. For another, similar example see James Chesterman “Classical Terracotta Figures”, New York 1974, p. 76. The present statuette was part of the exhibition of the collection Josef Mairitsch in the Carinthian Sparkasse from 1 to 19 June 1970. It is published in the Carinthian regional newspaper on 5 June 1970. On an old marble base.