Permanent Collection Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
1937.10004 |
Collection |
Sculpture Collection |
Title |
Venus and the Golden Apple |
Date |
Circa 1800 |
Artist |
Carmelo Fontana (1775-1825) |
Signature |
Execution of Carmelo Fontana of Carrara |
Signature Location |
Left side of the sculpture's base |
Makers Marks |
The left side base is incised "Execution of Carmelo Fontana of Carrara". |
Description |
This sculpture depicts the Roman goddess Venus (Greek name: Aphrodite), holding the golden apple. According to the Greek myth, when Eris, Greek goddess of strife and discord, dropped a golden apple inscribed "To the Fairest" among the gods and goddesses, a quarrel followed. Each goddess thought the apple was intended for her and laid claim. With the contenders narrowed to three-Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite-Paris, son of King Priam of Troy, was selected to make the choice. Paris chose Aphrodite, shown here holding the apple that sparked a rivalry that would lead to the Trojan War. |
Medium |
Marble |
Technique |
Carved |
Height (in) |
39.000 |
Diameter (in) |
12.500 |
Culture |
Italian |
School |
Neoclassicism |
Place of Origin |
Italy |
Credit Line |
Gift of Mrs. T. F. Spangler |
People |
Spangler, Mrs. T. F. Fontana, Carmelo |
Search Terms |
Apples Carved Clothing / Dress Curls Fabric Figures, Women Goddesses Headbands Italian Marble Neoclassicism Nudes Roman Mythology Sculptures Smiles Tree Stumps Venus |
Location |
On View in the Golden Gallery, 3rd Floor |