What Is Aphrodite In Greek Art

Following the transition from the Classical to Hellenistic period, Greek art underwent a transformation. The Hellenistic period introduced many more naturalistic sculptures, and an acceptance for a wider range of subjects displayed, such as children, women, and the elderly. Sculptors were no longer concerned with producing work that exhibited physical perfection, as seen with the Archaic korai.2 Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and sexuality became one of the most popular figures to be depicted in Greek art. It can be agreed that the reason for the many depictions of Aphrodite stemmed from Praxiteles’ Late Classical sculpture, Aphrodite of Knidos.3 It is important to note that the original did not survive, but based on ancient texts’

True to her nature as the goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, these are the characteristics that the sculpture exudes.26 This sculpture embodies the definition of Hellenistic Greek art. However, some Classical traits are retained, such as her solemn facial expression and distant gaze. It also has the S-curve posture, which is reminiscent of Praxiteles’ Aphrodite.27 It is evident that there is a closer attention to detail with the Venus de Milo as seen with the drapery (see Figure 3). The drapery has a more defined look due to the deep grooves that are present. In addition, the twisting pose of the body is a Hellenistic trait. This particular pose allows the sculpture to display sensuality and beauty, which are words that describe Aphrodite.28 It can be interpreted that Alexandros’ choice in depicting Aphrodite in this way was because the Hellenistic society was more open to the idea of female

When looking at the cultural and social aspect, it is clear that societal attitudes had an effect on how Aphrodite was depicted, and vice versa.29 The example with Aphrodite’s posture and her gesture in covering her pubic area gives insight as to how the Greek society was at the time. Although there was more of an acceptance in the display of female nudity in Greek art in the Hellenistic period, it still was a sensitive subject as there was still a social stigma.30 The Greek ideal that a woman should remain submissive, and not assertive was a key image that the Greeks wanted to preserve. Thus, the idea of displaying the female pubic area in art was not favoured.31 Furthermore, with regards to Greek theatre, the transition from tragedy to New Comedy illustrated the effect that it had on Greek art.32 This was seen with the group statue of Aphrodite, Pan and Eros depicted a satirical scene, in which the sculptor was possibly influenced by the new type of narrative that New Comedy offered. As for the Venus de Milo, Alexandros’ choice in combining Classical and Hellenistic traits to display a more erotic version of Aphrodite was an indication that the Hellenistic period was a time where sensuality and eroticism can be depicted in female sculptures.33 From looking at a cultural and social perspective, it offers possible explanations for the