Venus Anadyomene
Well, we call her Venus, but this image and any like this one are based on the original painting by Apelles, a Greek painter who painted Aphrodite's birth from the sea. That original was brought to Rome (and is lost now) and copies were made for private homes and places of worship. However, Rome had its own goddess of Love and so the name changed to Venus.
This particular painting is a mural in Pompei and has survived for close to two thousand years, making it one of the oldest (if not the oldest) known depiction. The most famous depiction is 'the Birth of Venus' by Botticelli.
Carved in precious stone, Idar-Oberstein museum for precious stones
For more V-words from around the world, please check out ABC Wednesday and join in the fun!
Photos taken in May 2007 in Pompei, Italy and in March 2010, Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Photos taken in May 2007 in Pompei, Italy and in March 2010, Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Great post Mara :-) I love the photos too - one day I'll get to Pompeii *sigh*
ReplyDeletelovely. Didn't know the history.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Venus must be one of the most popular "V"s ever invented - at least among the male contributors :-)
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post!
Fascinating. I didn't know much about that history either. So glad that fresco is still around.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of you in your header, very cute.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Venus had so much history behind her.
That's a good bit of history...Nice photos too.
ReplyDeleteI must have missed that at Pompeii, oh dear both times. Still if I ever make a 3rd visit I'll know its there now.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing that the picture has survived all these centuries!
ReplyDeleteTerrific post - I love the Idar-Oberstein carving. Amazing piece.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to Pompeii too (have you read the Robert Harris book? Wonderful!). Who did Julius Caesar think he was trying to kid?! Great V post.
ReplyDeleteThe actual top models should take an example on all these venuses and put up some weight !
ReplyDeleteLooks like they had some fun in the days of the pantheons.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and fascinating take on the theme, love your shots and post.
ReplyDeleteHappy V day!
V is for...
Beautiful photos, - thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI love the carving! But I'd like to know what precious stone it was carved into. In addition, I think your photo on your banner is as good as any Venus -- with clothes on. I love your blue, blue eyes.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your history lessons. Thank you.
ReplyDelete