Georgios Vroutos (1843-1908) was one of the principal Greek sculptors of the 19th century. Born in Athens, he worked in the Neo-Classical tradition of Canova. He exhibited at the Paris exhibitions, and was awarded a bronze medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition. He taught sculpture at the School of Sculpture on Corfu from 1882 until his death, training many of the best contemporary Greek sculptors. Vroutos' most celebrated work is his Spirit of Copernicus, now in the National Gallery, Athens.
The present two marbles by Vroutos (see also Lot 56) reveal his Neo-classical dependence on Antique Greek prototypes. The goddess is shown as Venus Victrix, triumphant after winning the beauty contest against Juno and Minerva, and holding the golden apple. The sculptor has softened her forms with a realism characteristic of his age, and likewise has transformed her drapery into a shift with sleeves. Aphrodite benefits thus from a charming spontaneity, as she steps forward, hastily disrobing to display her beauty.