Terms and conditions of use
Venus
1782
Medium
marble
Measurements
218.3 × 45.5 × 45.3 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Bruce Parncutt AO and Robin Campbell, Nigel Peck AM and Patricia Peck, Ken Harrison AM and Jill Harrison, donors to the 2016 NGV Foundation Annual Dinner and 2016 NGV Annual Appeal, 2016
Gallery location
17th to 18th Century European Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
François Poncet spent much of his career in Italy and was in Rome when he made this imposing work. Rome then was at the epicentre of the Classical revival, and Poncet developed a fine reputation as an imitator of the ancient sculptors. His work appealed greatly to many patrons, particularly those on the so-called Grand Tour (an educational journey through Europe undertaken by the British upper classes). Here Venus is set against a twisting cloud that also bears two tussling doves, giving the scene a sense of playful eroticism that further identifies her as the Roman goddess of love.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Rome, Italy
Inscription
carved in left side of sculpture l.l.: A • ROME • PAR • F • M • PONCET • 1782
Accession Number
2016.511
Department
International Sculpture