Pauline Bonaparte Borghese as Venus by Ferdinando Vichi

Exceptional central sculpture in Carrara marble representing Pauline Bonaparte Borghese half-naked in the neoclassical style after Antonio Canova. She rests on a klinai, leaning on a cushion, in a semisdraiata pose, typical of ancient statuary.

The sculptor depicted the French princess in the image of the goddess of carnal love Venus. She is reminiscent of Venus victorious (Venus Victrix) from mythology, and an apple of Paris was placed in the statue’s left hand to evoke the victory of Venus during the Judgement of Paris on Mount Ida, in homage to the triumphant beauty of the Borghese princess, who was one of the most beautiful women of her time.

The original sculpture was created by the famous sculptor Antonio Canova, commissioned by her husband Camillo Borghese. The sculpture was exhibited in Turin in Camillo’s mansion, then in Genoa, and it wasn’t until 1838 that the masterpiece arrived at the Borghese Gallery.

Italian work from the early 20th century, circa 1905-1910.
Signed : F. Vichi Florence.
The sculpture rests on an imposing pivoting column in serpentine green marble.