DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.7898#0018
( 8 )
a shield (6). In fact, had the attribute been an object of less weight, the ex-
pression of effort which the position indicates, would have been superfluous,
and the direction of the arms unaccountable. It should be recollected that
in ancient art, the rules of propriety are always observed, and a forced or
unmeaning attitude is never seeu.
This exquisite sculpture is distinguished by uncommon grandeur of form,
a noble and imposing attitude, and an admirable imitation of individual na-
ture. The head, which is inferior to the other parts and seems a portrait (7),
makes it probable, indeed, that the entire figure is taken from the life. As
such it is admirable: but as representing the goddess of Beauty, it wants,
perhaps, the elegance and ideal character so eminently displayed in the Capuan
Venus. Though a comparison between the respective merits of the two statues
is difficult, as their beauties are of a different nature; yet the qualities of a
higher order remarkable in the Venus of Capua, entitle her to a decided pre-
ference. As a portrait, however, the present statue may be ranked in the first
class, and of the best time of Grecian art.
(6) As accessories of this kind were usually
of metal, it is probable that the shield was
of brass gild.
Several dissertations on the attributes of
Venus, and the different modes of repre-
senting her, have been published ; in conse-
quence of a premium proposed by the Acade-
my of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres of Paris.
The authors, who were men of great learn-
ing, but not sufficiently conversant with works
of art, confined themselves chiefly to collect
the passages of ancient writers relating to the
subject. Hence, their labours were incomplete.
A similar monograph, in which ancient au-
thors and monuments should illustrate each
other, would prove extremely useful,not only
to archaeologists , but to artists; to whom it
would open new stores of invention.
See : Larcher, Memoire sur Venus. Paris,
1775. — De la Chau. idem. Paris , r776. —
The learned Heyne has published likewise
a dissertation on the same subject. V. Jansen,
Recueil de pieces concernant les arts, torn. 1.
(7) The neck is also too long, a fault most
apparent when the figure is seen in profile.
a shield (6). In fact, had the attribute been an object of less weight, the ex-
pression of effort which the position indicates, would have been superfluous,
and the direction of the arms unaccountable. It should be recollected that
in ancient art, the rules of propriety are always observed, and a forced or
unmeaning attitude is never seeu.
This exquisite sculpture is distinguished by uncommon grandeur of form,
a noble and imposing attitude, and an admirable imitation of individual na-
ture. The head, which is inferior to the other parts and seems a portrait (7),
makes it probable, indeed, that the entire figure is taken from the life. As
such it is admirable: but as representing the goddess of Beauty, it wants,
perhaps, the elegance and ideal character so eminently displayed in the Capuan
Venus. Though a comparison between the respective merits of the two statues
is difficult, as their beauties are of a different nature; yet the qualities of a
higher order remarkable in the Venus of Capua, entitle her to a decided pre-
ference. As a portrait, however, the present statue may be ranked in the first
class, and of the best time of Grecian art.
(6) As accessories of this kind were usually
of metal, it is probable that the shield was
of brass gild.
Several dissertations on the attributes of
Venus, and the different modes of repre-
senting her, have been published ; in conse-
quence of a premium proposed by the Acade-
my of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres of Paris.
The authors, who were men of great learn-
ing, but not sufficiently conversant with works
of art, confined themselves chiefly to collect
the passages of ancient writers relating to the
subject. Hence, their labours were incomplete.
A similar monograph, in which ancient au-
thors and monuments should illustrate each
other, would prove extremely useful,not only
to archaeologists , but to artists; to whom it
would open new stores of invention.
See : Larcher, Memoire sur Venus. Paris,
1775. — De la Chau. idem. Paris , r776. —
The learned Heyne has published likewise
a dissertation on the same subject. V. Jansen,
Recueil de pieces concernant les arts, torn. 1.
(7) The neck is also too long, a fault most
apparent when the figure is seen in profile.