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.

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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