Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Venus de Lloret

Venus de Lloret, also known as Dona marinera, is a statue in Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, by the artist Ernest Maragall Noble. It was designed in 1966 and is part of the Inventari del Patrimoni Arquitectònic de Catalunya. The work pays tribute to the women of the seafaring era, especially those who supported their homes and families while many men went to seek their fortune across the Atlantic. Its popular name comes from a local legend that says anyone who touches its right foot while looking at the horizon can have a wish granted.

Dona Marinera bronze statue of a woman shading her eyes and looking out to sea.
The Dona Marinera sculpture stands in bright sunlight with the coastline visible in the background.
June 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dona Marinera bronze sculpture of a woman standing on a rock with one arm raised and a flower in her other hand.
Dona Marinera, a bronze seaside sculpture in Lloret de Mar, shown with the beach and town in the background.
· Public domain
Dona Marinera bronze statue on a stone lookout above the sea and rocky coastline, with people walking nearby.
The Dona Marinera statue overlooks the sea from a coastal lookout in Lloret de Mar.
May 2011 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stone stairs descend along a rocky coastline beneath a cloudy sky, with the Dona Marinera monument area in the distance.
Stone steps lead down the rugged coast near the Dona Marinera monument in Lloret de Mar.
May 2011 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Coastal stone path beside the sea near Dona Marinera, with a person standing on the cliff overlooking the water.
A winding coastal path by the sea near Dona Marinera in Lloret de Mar.
May 2011 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleVenus de Lloret
TypeStatue
Alternative namesDona marinera; La mujer del pescador (Fisherman's Wife); Die Venus von Lloret

Creator

ArtistErnest Maragall i Noble
Artist's life dates1903–1991
Artist's familySon of the poet Joan Maragall
Artist's trainingDisciple of Pablo Gargallo
Artist's later residenceSettled in Venezuela in 1937 after spending time in Italy
Artist's professional activity in VenezuelaParticipated in the design of national monuments commissioned by official order
Artist's teaching roleProfessor of modeling at the School of Plastic Arts of Caracas
Artist's styleHis work is characterized by robust and static monuments

Historical context

PurposeCreated to remember the effort and sacrifice of the families that lived from fishing; created in memory of the victims and hardships of seafaring families
Commemorative meaningA tribute to the women of the maritime era, who often supported the home and family while many men went to seek fortune across the Atlantic
Associated legendAccording to a local legend, anyone who looks at the horizon like the statue while touching its right foot at the same time will have their wishes fulfilled
InspirationInspired by the Lloret scholar Esteve Fàbregas i Barri
Date unveiled1966
Commissioned or suggested byEsteve Fàbregas i Barri, a scholar from Lloret

Discovery and provenance

Location associationLloret

Physical characteristics

AttireTight, fine dress close to the body
BreastsFirm or taut
BarefootYes
GestureRight hand raised, as if greeting or saying farewell to someone; as if trying to communicate with someone or something coming from the sea
PoseFacing the sea
Figure depictedFemale figure
Height2.40 meters including the pedestal

Materials

Main materialBronze
Base materialRounded granite block

Location and ownership

Current locationSouthern part of Platja Gran, Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, Spain
SettingA small cobbled square surrounded by benches
AccessReachable by a cobbled path that runs along the coast to the Castle of Sant Joan of Lloret
SurroundingsA place where pedestrians can rest and enjoy the sea view
Heritage statusProtected as part of the architectural heritage of Catalonia; listed as a monument under heritage protection law
Cultural inventoryIncluded in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia