Deco/Modern Limestone Torso of Aphrodite

Though certainly twentieth century in origin, this carved limestone figure’s pose resembles the formula of Greek (and later Roman) Aphrodite figures so closely that they’re undeniably the inspiration.

Departing from its lifelike classical prototypes, however, this figure’s features have been abstracted – flattened and distilled to its basic volumetric gestures. It’s not until studied more closely that incredibly sensitive, subtle undulations and curvatures of those seemingly flattened surfaces reveal themselves as well as a truly intimate understanding of the form (not to mention the hands of a masterful carver).

Art deco/moderne styling and the proportions of the figure – to me – imply 1930s or 1940s origin.

Likewise, the fact that the entire figure is covered with the same soft marks of a toothed chisel imply a finished rather than in-process piece.