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Unarmed Goddess

© Barbara Mason

Unarmed Goddess

Uploaded: December 06, 2010

Description

The Venus De Milo isn't just known for her beauty; to the masses, she is perhaps more famous for having no arms. When she was unearthed, she was in a number of pieces, but there were no arms. So what was she doing?

Some people believe that she was holding a mirror in one hand and a shield in the other. Others say that she is presenting an apple to Paris with which he would woo Helen 'not-yet-of Troy' and trigger the Trojan War. An apple was found along with some of the bits of statue and also Melos means apple in Greek.

King Louis XVIII originally asked eminent sculptors from around the land to make new arms, and people came back with hands pointing, holding apples or holding clothes. Louis decreed that no sculptor should tarnish her beauty, so she was left as found, a tradition that has been followed with other ancient treasures. (Wikipedia)

Comments

Joanna Madloch December 11, 2010

Great profile, Barbara. Not a usual way of presenting this statue. Love the B&W. #1334758

John Connolly December 18, 2010

I didn't see you sneak this one in Barbara! This is a wonderful capture of this iconic old statue, you did a great job with this amazing artwork! #9113395

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