fine and decorative group comprising of a c19th alabaster sculpture after antonio canova of paolina borghese as venus victrix together with a pair of framed engravings

Description

Fine and decorative group comprising of a late C19th alabaster sculpture after Antonio Canova of Paolina Borghese as "Venus Victrix", together with a pair of framed engravings.
Beautifully carved alabaster reduction of Canova's neo-classical portrait sculpture of Paolina Bonaparte as Venus , completed in 1808. Raised upon a separate fluted rectangular plinth base with moulded edges
The semi-nude figure is shown reclining on a Grecian style couch , reviving the ancient Roman artistic traditions of portrayals of mortal individuals in the guise of the Gods.
"Venus Victrix" (or Venus Victorious) depicts the goddess holding a golden apple awarded to her as the most beautiful goddess in the Judgement of Paris . In classical Greek mythology the goddesses were all invited to a party with the exception of Eris , goddess of strife , who took her revenge by throwing an apple with the inscription "To the fairest Goddess " in amongst the guests. Who was the fairest goddess could not be agreed upon and the choice was given to the earthly son of a king, Paris. The choice was between Juno , Minerva and Venus , and it was the latter , Aphrodite or Venus , goddess of beauty and love , who won and received the apple. The sculpture depicts Venus after the beauty contest , as the victorious goddess.
Commissioned by Pauline Bonaparte's husband Camillo Borghese, the original life-size sculpture is now on exhibition at the Galleria Borghese , Rome.
Together with a fine pair of early C19th Italian black and white engravings showing in fine detail , the front and rear aspects of the sculpture. Well presented in gilt and simulated / faux porphyry frames and mounted on neutral board . Good margin impressions, engraved by Dom.Marchetti and published by Luigi Durantini. Titled "Venere Vincitrice " and inscribed with a dedication to Lord Cawdor.
All items in excellent condition with no damage, losses or repairs.
A wonderful decorative grouping for a neo-classical interior.
H (Sculpture) 12"
W 14"
D 6"
H (engravings) 24"
W 30"
D 1.5"
Italy c.1850
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