After the Antique

white marble, on a black veined marble base

height 28½in.; 72cm.





See catalogue note at SOTHEBYS.COM

The present Crouching Venus (or Vénus Accroupie) is after the ancient Roman model in the Louvre, which was carved in the second century AD (inv. no. MA 53). The twisted torso with one arm reaching over her head and the other arm reaching across her chest faithfully follows the Louvre version. This differs from another well-known Crouching Venus type, the Lely Venus (inv. no. BM 1963), which can be found in the British Museum, and shows Venus as surprised, modestly covering her nude body from a sudden unwanted gaze as she bathes.