Capitoline Venus, after Skopas c. 19th century

Curator: This is an impression of the Capitoline Venus, after Skopas, crafted by the Pichler family. It’s remarkably small, just a few centimeters in diameter. Editor: The monochrome palette and bas-relief give it a rather ghostly, ethereal quality. Curator: Indeed, Venus, emerging from her bath, is a potent symbol of beauty, love, and fertility, deeply rooted in Roman mythology and cultural memory. Editor: The limited palette focuses our attention on the modulation of light and shadow across the figure, enhancing her three-dimensionality within such a confined space. Curator: The Pichler family, known for their gem engravings, masterfully captured the essence of the goddess, channeling classical ideals across generations. Editor: It’s amazing how such minute variations in the surface can create such a palpable sense of form. Curator: It serves as a tangible link to the past, illustrating the enduring power of classical iconography. Editor: A fascinating study in minimalist representation.