Artwork
Venus Aphrodite, by Alcamanes
Venus Aphrodite, by Alcamanes is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Richard James Lane. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1829, the lithographic proof titled *Venus Aphrodite* presents a single, barefoot female figure rendered in a side profile.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1829, the lithographic proof titled *Venus Aphrodite* presents a single, barefoot female figure rendered in a side profile. The composition is minimalist, with a faint suggestion of grass and sky in the background, directing attention to the graceful pose and subtle modeling of the body.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a mythological representation of the goddess Venus, identified by the title. The figure’s raised arms, as if supporting an unseen object above her head, evoke a sense of reverence or offering, aligning with classical themes of beauty and divine presence.
Technique & Style
Executed as a proof before the addition of lettering, the lithograph retains the delicate, almost translucent lines of the original drawing. The artist employed a light, sketch‑like touch, allowing the pencil or pen marks to remain visible, a characteristic approach in early 19th‑century lithography that emphasizes immediacy and atmospheric softness.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Richard James Lane, a prominent English lithographer of the period, known for his reproductions of classical subjects. As a proof, this impression predates the final printed edition and offers insight into Lane’s preparatory process before the work was finalized for publication.
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Artist & collection
