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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1932.56.28
Title
Aphrodite, Modern Copy after Hellenistic or Early Roman Original from Herculaneum
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
19th-early 20th century
Places
Creation Place: Unidentified Region
Period
Modern
Culture
Unidentified culture
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/287281

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Brass
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
17.1 x 7.4 x 6.9 cm (6 3/4 x 2 15/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Brass:
Cu, 63.93; Sn, less than 0.25; Pb, 1.01; Zn, 34.9; Fe, 0.08; Ni, 0.05; Ag, 0.02; Sb, less than 0.02; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, 0.01

J. Riederer

Chemical Composition: XRF data from Tracer
Alloy: Brass
Alloying Elements: copper, zinc
Other Elements: tin, lead, iron

K. Eremin, January 2014

Technical Observations: The patina is a very dark green and was evenly applied. There is no clear evidence of long-term burial. The surface is dusty and matte in texture. Some scratches are present. The figure appears to be a solid cast and is integral with the hollow base. Gold paint was used to color the arm and leg decorations.


Henry Lie (submitted 2001)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Dr. Harris Kennedy, Milton, MA (by 1932), gift; to the William Hayes Fogg Art Museum, 1932.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. Harris Kennedy, Class of 1894
Accession Year
1932
Object Number
1932.56.28
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This Venus (Aphrodite) statuette reproduces a well-known statue type showing the goddess bending down to adjust her sandal. This modern reproduction, as indicated by alloy and physical analyses (1), may be a copy after a bronze statuette found in Herculaneum on February 22, 1757 (2).

The goddess is nude except for thick cuff armlets above each elbow, thick anklets, and one sandal. The jewelry of the original piece is gold and the base more decorative.

NOTES:

1. See Chemical Composition and Technical Observations.

2. See S. De Caro, ed., Il Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, no. 248 (inv. no. 5133); and Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae Venus 184.


Lisa M. Anderson

Publication History

  • [Reproduction Only], Persephone, (Fall 2006)., p. 9.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu