Standing out among the wonders of the Capitoline Museums is one of the most fascinating statues in classical art: the Capitoline Venus. A masterpiece of grace and beauty that has enchanted visitors for centuries.
But who sculpted her? What is its history? And most importantly, where can you admire it live?
In this article we will find out everything you need to know about the Capitoline Venus: from its origin to its symbolism and practical tips for visiting it.
If you are passionate about art and want to learn about one of the greatest treasures of ancient sculpture, read on and be fascinated by the Capitoline Venus!
ALT! You should know that, every day, thousands of visitors pass through the halls of the Capitoline Museums to admire the Capitoline Venus. Be sure not to risk losing precious time! Book your ticket online now and ensure queue-free access!
Tickets for Capitoline Museums
Buy online. Choose the time you prefer. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and other archaeological sites.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Capitoline Venus: description of the work
Detail of the bust of the Capitoline Venus
The Capitoline Venus is one of the most celebrated representations of the goddess of love and beauty, a white marble masterpiece that embodies the elegance and grace of classical art.
Appearance and characteristics of the statue
This almost life-size sculpture depicts Venus in a demure attitude: her body slightly inclined, one hand covering her breasts and the other protecting her pubis.
The pose suggests an intimate and delicate moment, a gesture that enhances femininity with a touch of modesty.
The work is made of white marble, with a polished surface that enhances the softness of the forms.
The face of the goddess is gentle and harmonious, with refined features and a serene gaze. The finely sculpted hair falls delicately over the head and shoulders, framing the face with extreme elegance.
The influence of the Praxitelian style
The Capitoline Venus is considered an example of the Praxitelic style, characterized by soft forms, natural poses, and a balanced harmony between realism and idealization.
The influence of Praxiteles, a great Greek sculptor of the 4th century BCE, can be seen in the softness of the contours, the delicacy of the movements, and theattention to anatomical details, which give the statue a sense of vitality and grace.
Interpretation of the work
Symbolically, the Capitoline Venus represents the ideal of female beauty and perfection in classical art.
Her demure attitude recalls the iconography of Venus Anadiomene, or the goddess emerging from the waters, emphasizing the link with the mythological birth of Aphrodite.
The work also expresses a concept of harmonious and timeless beauty, embodying the aesthetic ideal of antiquity.
The balance between sensuality and modesty makes it one of the most fascinating depictions of Venus, capable of arousing wonder and admiration in anyone who observes it!
Capitoline Venus: history and origin of the work
Detail of the laying of the Capitoline Venus
The Capitoline Venus has a fascinating history that links it to the great works of classical art.
Probably dating from the second century CE, it is a fine Roman copy of a Greek original, possibly attributable to the school of Praxiteles, famous for his ability to impart grace and naturalness to sculptures.
The work was discovered in the 18th century and, in 1752, was purchased by Pope Benedict XIV, who donated it to the Capitoline Museums, thus enriching the artistic heritage of the city of Rome.
Since then, the statue has become one of the museum’s main attractions, admired for its ideal beauty and delicacy of form.
Over the centuries, the Capitoline Venus has consolidated its fame, becoming one of the most celebrated representations of the goddess of love and beauty.
Her refined style and gentle, demure expression continue to enchant scholars and visitors from around the world, making her one of the icons of classical art in the Capitoline Museums.
Capitoline Museums Tickets
Purchase online. Choose the time you prefer. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and other archaeological sites.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
How to see the Capitoline Venus
Front view of the Capitoline Venus
Exact location of the Capitoline Venus
The Capitoline Venus is located in the Venus Cabinet, located inside the New Palace of the Capitoline Museums.
This building houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures, including some of the most iconic works of ancient Rome.
The Venus Cabinet is a space that celebrates the beauty and harmony of classical sculpture. The Venus is perfectly at the center of the display, immediately drawing attention to her grace and perfection.
The room has an elegant, light-filled atmosphere, and precedes other important ancient works, including busts and statues of gods, which enrich the exhibition.
A mirror, strategically placed behind the sculpture, allows it to be admired from all angles.
To reach the Venus Cabinet inside the Capitoline Museums, once you enter the New Palace, I recommend you follow the directions to the Roman sculpture section.
The room is located on the upper floor, easily reached via the central staircase.
It is recommended to follow the chronological path to appreciate the evolution of ancient sculpture, culminating in the Venus statue itself.
Suggested route to see the Capitoline Venus
If you would like to include the Capitoline Venus in your visit to the Capitoline Museums, a good route is to start your visit with the Conservator’s Palace, visit the Picture Gallery , and continue to the New Palace.
After admiring the other famous Roman sculptures, stop in the Venus Cabinet to take a closer look at the statue before moving on to the other works of art that complement its context.
Best times to see the Capitoline Venus
To visit the Capitoline Venus without too many crowds, the best times are early in the morning, as soon as the museums open, or during the week and avoiding weekends, when it tends to be more crowded.
If possible, consider visiting museums in the winter months or low tourist seasons. You can learn more about this topic in our dedicated article.
Guided tours that include the Capitoline Venus
Guided tours of the Capitoline Museums often include an overview of the most significant works, which is sure to include the Capitoline Venus.
You can book a guided tour that focuses on Roman sculptures, where expert guides will take you on a discovery of this iconic work and other famous statues.
Some thematic tours also delve into the art history and mythology behind the figure of Venus.
Days and opening hours of the Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are open daily, with opening hours from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
We recommend that you check the updated hours by consulting this article of ours, as there may be changes during holidays or special events.
How to buy tickets for the Capitoline Museums online
Tickets for the Capitoline Museums include several options, including:
- Single admission: allows access to all rooms of the museum.
- Combined ticket: which also allows you to visit other major attractions in the city of Rome.
- Guided tours: you can book a guided tour to discover major works, including the Capitoline Venus.
You can buy tickets for the Capitoline Museums directly online on our website. This allows you to avoid queues and guarantee a stress-free entry.
Tickets can be purchased for either single entry or guided tours, depending on your preference.
Want to learn more? Check out this article of ours dedicated to tickets.
Venus Capitolina: frequently asked questions
The Capitoline Venus is located in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, specifically in the Venus Cabinet inside the Palazzo Nuovo. It is one of the most iconic statues in the museum’s collection, a symbol of the perfection and elegance of Roman sculpture.
The Venus de Milo is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the most important museums in the world. The Greek sculpture, famous for its beauty and the mystery surrounding its origin, is in fact one of the most famous works in the Louvre’s collection.
Statues of Aphrodite, also known as Venus in Roman art, can be found in various museums around the world. One of the most famous versions is the Venus de Milo, displayed in the Louvre in Paris. Another famous depiction of Aphrodite can be found in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, with the Capitoline Venus representing one of the most important sculptures of Greek mythology.
The Capitoline Museums in Rome are a must for art and history lovers. In addition to the Venus Capitolina, the museum houses a vast collection of Roman sculptures, paintings, and ancient art. Among the most famous works are the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, Caravaggio’s St. John the Baptist, the Buona Ventura also by Caravaggio, and the Capitoline She-Wolf. The museum is divided into several sections that tell the story of ancient Rome, from sculptures to Renaissance paintings in the splendid Pinacoteca.
Conclusion
Back part of the Capitoline Venus mirrored
And here we are at the end of this in-depth look at the Capitoline Venus, one of the most fascinating masterpieces in the Capitoline Museums, which embodies like few other works the ideal of classical beauty.
We have looked together at the unique features of this work, its very special history, with all the best tips on how and when to see it, starting with the hours of the Capitoline Museums and the best tickets to visit them.
Before concluding, I wanted to answer the most frequently asked questions about Venus so as to dispel any doubts, but if you still have any curiosity, do not hesitate to contact us by leaving a comment below. We will gladly respond as soon as we can!
Have you already seen the Capitoline Venus? Were you struck by its elegance? Leave a comment-your experience might be useful to someone!
If, on the other hand, you have not yet been lucky enough to see this marvel with your own eyes, don’t miss the chance to admire the Capitoline Venus live! Book your ticket to the Capitoline Museums now and enjoy a journey into ancient art without waiting.
Capitoline Museums Tickets
Buy online. Choose the time of your choice. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and other archaeological sites.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
