The Birth of Venus
Heinrich Keller, Swiss (active Rome), 1771 - 1832
Date:
c. 1799Medium:
MarbleDimensions:
40 1/2 x 51 inches (102.9 x 129.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
European Painting before 1900, Johnson CollectionObject Location:
1986-26-266Credit Line:
The Henry P. McIlhenny Collection in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, 1986
c. 1799Medium:
MarbleDimensions:
40 1/2 x 51 inches (102.9 x 129.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
European Painting before 1900, Johnson CollectionObject Location:
* Gallery 293, European Art 1500-1850, second floor
Accession Number:1986-26-266Credit Line:
The Henry P. McIlhenny Collection in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, 1986
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Keller's vision of the birth of Venus, who emerged from the sea in the form of a beautiful, nude woman, enjoyed a certain success at the end of the eighteenth century. This example, intended to decorate a fountain, is one of seven marbles Keller executed. He also created two alabaster versions and several smaller bronze statuettes. The pose of Venus was inspired by an ancient bronze of the goddess from Portici, Italy.
* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit.
