A reconstituted stone model of Paolina Borghese modelled as Venus Victorious, 20th century
A reconstituted stone model of Paolina Borghese modelled as Venus Victorious, 20th century

Details
A reconstituted stone model of Paolina Borghese modelled as Venus Victorious, 20th century
After Antonio Canova -- 33in. (84cm.) wide

Lot Essay

In 1804, Prince Camillo Borghese commissioned a marble portrait of his wife, Napoleon's sister Princess Paolina, from the virtuoso sculptor Antonio Canova. The artist's initial intention to represent Paolina as the virgin huntress Diana met with great opposition from his subject - the result of this conflict was her famous portrayal in the guise of Venus Victorious or Venus Triumphans, modelled holding an apple, housed in the Villa Borghese in Rome.

More from Carpets, European Furniture and Decorative Objects

View All
View All