The Birth of Venus

Gallery 393, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

The Birth of Venus

c. 1799

Heinrich Keller (Swiss (active Rome), 1771–1832)

Keller's vision of the birth of Venus, who emerged from the sea in the form of a beautiful, nude woman, enjoyed a certain success at the end of the eighteenth century. This example, intended to decorate a fountain, is one of seven marbles Keller executed. He also created two alabaster versions and several smaller bronze statuettes. The pose of Venus was inspired by an ancient bronze of the goddess from Portici, Italy.

Gallery 393, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Object Details

Title:

The Birth of Venus

Date:

c. 1799

Artist:

Heinrich Keller (Swiss (active Rome), 1771–1832)

Medium:

Marble

Dimensions:

40 1/2 x 51 inches (102.9 x 129.5 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

The Henry P. McIlhenny Collection in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, 1986

Accession Number:

1986-26-266

Geography:

Made in Italy, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 393, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

Museum map