Art of the Western World 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art of the Western World 1 - Essay Example This Aphrodite was made of marble. The two controversies surrounding these statues are the ownership of Goddess, Probably Aphrodite and Aphrodite of Knidos being the first nude statue. Both statues of Aphrodite are different, but also similarly create controversy. The two similarities of the statues are the creation date and being statues of Aphrodite. Goddess, Probably Aphrodite and Aphrodite of Knidos were both created in the 4th century.12 These two larger than life statues are of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love. She influenced many works of art, literature, and temples. The first reason for statues and literature of Aphrodite was for her worshippers.3 Just like Christians have crosses and icons, Greeks had different god and goddess icons and art. This caused both Praxiteles and the unknown sculptor to use Aphrodite as their model. Goddess, Probably Aphrodite is on display at the Getty Museum in Malibu. The statue has been damaged through the years. A hand and foot is missing, along with part of the head in the back.4 This piece of work is original. The statue was bought by Getty for 18 million dollars in 1988.5 The statue shows the wear of centuries and travel around the world. It is speculated the statue was created for an indoor temple, since the weather would have eroded the marble and limestone. However, the Greek robes and majestic face of Aphrodite can still be observed in this piece.6 The pictures of the actual statue show the blank eyes of a Greek statue. Goddess, Probably Aphrodite is a product of the Greek culture. Aphrodite of Knidos is a nude marble statue.7 This statue shows Aphrodite getting in or out of the bath. Aphrodite of Knidos was one of two statues created by Praxiteles.8 One was nude, the other was clothed. The original does not exist today.