Terracotta sculptuur van Venus before 1857

This is a terracotta sculpture of Venus by Marcel Gustave Laverdet, but its exact date is unknown. Terracotta, or baked earth, is a very direct material. We tend to associate it with ancient cultures, partly because it's so durable. Look closely, and you'll notice the artist has really emphasized the plasticity of the clay, you can almost see the hand of the artist working and shaping the form. The surface has a slightly rough texture, unlike marble, which is often polished to appear smooth and refined. The choice of terracotta invites questions about class and labor. Marble was the preserve of wealthy patrons, while terracotta was more accessible. Laverdet's choice suggests a deliberate move away from the traditional associations of high art, embracing the earthy qualities of the material itself. It challenges the established hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the value and significance of everyday materials.