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Mazarin Venus

The Mazarin Venus is a Roman marble sculpture dating to the 2nd century AD. It was discovered in Rome, Italy, around 1510 and is currently on view at the Getty Villa. The sculpture’s name comes from the belief that it once belonged to Cardinal Jules Mazarin, although this attribution is now considered unlikely. The work is known as an important Roman sculpture and remains associated with its long history of discovery, ownership, and display.

Mazarin Venus, a carved stone statue of a standing female figure holding draped cloth, with a dolphin-like creature at her feet.
The Mazarin Venus shown as a full-length marble statue with a draped cloth and a dolphin-like figure beside her leg.
October 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mazarin Venus, a standing carved female figure beside a dolphin on a textured base.
Mazarin Venus shown as a standing carved figure beside a dolphin on a textured base.
© · No restrictions
Mazarin Venus statue on a stone pedestal in an alcove, with a visitor standing nearby.
The Mazarin Venus stands in an alcove with a visitor viewing the sculpture nearby.
August 2023 © · CC0
Mazarin Venus, a pale stone statue of a female figure holding draped fabric with braided hair.
The Mazarin Venus is shown in close-up, with braided hair and draped fabric in her hands.
December 2010 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
Mazarin Venus bust with wavy hair and a raised hand holding draped cloth.
Close-up of the Mazarin Venus showing its wavy hair and raised hand holding drapery.
December 2010 © · CC BY-SA 2.0

Identification

TitleStatue of Venus
Alternative nameMazarin Venus
Alternative nameVenus Mazarin

Historical context

TypeRoman marble sculpture
Date2nd century AD

Creator

Attribution to Cardinal MazarinSome art historians believe the statue belonged to Cardinal Mazarin, but this is now considered unlikely

Discovery and provenance

Discovery locationRome, Italy
Discovery date1509 or about 1510
ProvenanceNo provenance details are provided in the fragment

Physical characteristics

HeadProbably belongs to another ancient statue
ConditionThe statue was restored repeatedly, especially some parts of the body, the drapery, and the dolphin
Height184 cm

Materials

MaterialMarble

Appearance

SubjectThe goddess Venus/Aphrodite
PoseVenus stands nude, resting on her left leg
Right handHolds a piece of cloth that passes behind her
Left handThe cloth ends in the left hand and covers part of the body below the waist
HairArranged in curls falling onto the shoulders

Iconography and meaning

Associated attributeA dolphin accompanies the goddess; it is one of her attributes and the creature that helped her emerge from the sea

Location and ownership

Current locationGetty Villa
Current collectionPermanent collection of the Getty Museum in the United States
Current display statusOn view

Other

Type noteOne of the few ancient sculptures of Venus/Aphrodite located in the United States