Aphrodite Kallipygos Statue, Callipygian Venus Greek Goddess, 15.5 in New Attic no returns

A Glance Over the Shoulder: the Aphrodite Kallipygos Statue

The goddess lifts her light robe and glances back over her shoulder, with a gentle twist of the torso. This Callipygian Venus statue stands on a black marble base. The bonded stone figure invites the viewer to walk around it. The pose is bold, playful, and carefully balanced. This Aphrodite Kallipygos statue rewards a slow circuit.

Product Details

• Material: Bonded stone with black marble base
• Dimensions: 15.5 in H x 5 in L x 4 in W
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Original: National Archaeological Museum, Naples
• Product number: G-040SM

The Naples Original

The original Roman marble statue of the late first century BC is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Scholars think it copies a lost Greek bronze from about 300 BC, near the start of the Hellenistic age. The statue was found without its head. A sixteenth century restorer turned the glance back toward the hips. In 1786 Carlo Albacini replaced the head, arms, and one leg.

The Story of the Sisters

The Greek writer Athenaeus tells of two sisters near Syracuse. They argued over which had the more beautiful form, and a young man judged between them. Their good fortune led them to dedicate a temple to Aphrodite Kallipygos. The name means Aphrodite of the beautiful buttocks. This Callipygian Venus statue recalls that playful tale.

Hellenistic Aphrodite Sculpture

The Hellenistic age began with the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. The Metropolitan Museum notes that the popular nude Aphrodite reflects a more secular age. A Hellenistic Aphrodite sculpture like this one invites the eye to move around the figure. The twist of the torso gives the pose its life.

Display and Detail

An Aphrodite Kallipygos sculpture is meant to be seen from several sides. Turn the base slowly and the line of the robe and the twist of the torso change. The black marble base gives the Aphrodite Kallipygos statue a formal finish. As a Greek goddess statue, it suits a study, a living room, or a gallery shelf. This Greek goddess statue also pairs well with books on ancient art. The playful pose shows that Greek art could be witty as well as solemn. Stand the Aphrodite Kallipygos statue at eye level, and the pose speaks clearly. A Callipygian Venus statue pairs well with other Greek pieces.

At 15.5 in tall and 6 lbs, this Aphrodite Kallipygos statue needs a sturdy shelf or console. The black marble base keeps it steady. Dust it with a soft dry cloth. Explore the Venus de Milo bust and our Greek and Roman Collection.

The Farnese family owned the original, and it moved to Naples in 1786 with the Farnese Collection. Greek goddess statue types like this one influenced European sculptors for centuries.

For More Reading

• Read how restorers shaped the famous backward glance. Venus Callipyge - Wikipedia
• Place the statue in the Hellenistic age after Alexander. Art of the Hellenistic Age and the Hellenistic Tradition - The Metropolitan Museum of Art