This large limestone garden statue faithfully interprets an original marble statue from 1802 depicting the goddess Venus stepping out of a bath. Our statue was hand-carved circa 1860 and stands over seven feet tall, which is even larger than the six-foot original by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova.

A thick plinth (nine inches tall at its maximum), which has been carved to resemble rocky terrain, supports the naked and barefoot Venus. The modest goddess covers herself with a gathered piece of fabric that is well-detailed. Venus is looking over her left shoulder and leaning against a tree stump, which is visible from behind. The dark gray stone has a patina that gives areas hues of cream, brown, light gray, and ochre.

Before Napoleon became Emperor of France, he commissioned Canova to sculpt a replacement statue for the recently seized Medici Venus. Canova used this opportunity to craft his own vision, known as Venus Italica.

CONDITION: Strong antique condition. Professional restoration to strengthen an existing repair. Inherent cavitations to the limestone, with very light losses and rubs. Light accumulation of moss, mostly located on the base and the feet.