Centuries Later, Far From Home - Venus de Milo Lives as the Immortal Aphrodite

"Down the long hall she glistens like a star,

The foam-born mother of Love, transfixed to stone,

Yet none the less immortal, breathing on.

Time's brutal hand hath maimed but could not mar…” 
–Emma Lazarus

The Venus de Milo

  Overlooking the Seine, an ancient Greek masterpiece rests in its permanent Parisian home. Standing 203 centimeters tall, the Venus de Milo looks over the heads of visitors, at the end of one of many vast halls in the Louvre. The marble statue’s composition is derived from a 4^th century BC Corinthian statue. The 3D drapery, strong projection of the knee, and twisted stance are all classic examples of Hellenistic art. Carved by sculptor Alexandros about 150 BC, Venus de Milo however was not found until 1820 on the Aegean island of Melos (Milos or Milo) in Greece.

Although the Venus is far from home and long after its time, its beauty remains. The statue depicts one of the most influential gods, the goddess of love. Aphrodite, or Venus to the Romans, controlled the innermost feelings of the heart as well as the source of human passion. Greek legend says that a golden apple was thrown from the heaven to be given “to the fairest.” Athena, Hera and Aphrodite fought for the apple but it was Paris who would ultimately choose. Each offered him a bride but it was only Aphrodite who could give Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. It is because of Aphrodite’s indirect actions that caused the Trojan War. Once again, the power of love cannot be measured and the power of passion cannot be tamed.

Born from the foam of sea, the goddess of love was forced to marry the ugly god of fire, Hephaestus. However, marriage could not contain her. Aphrodite wanted freedom and constantly searched for new lovers, some gods and some humans. Her children each would later represent a trait of love, but the most admired is Eros (or the Roman Cupid).  Famous of his golden arrows, he is the god of love; and more commonly the reason for chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Aphrodite was desired by gods and man. She was the goddess of beauty but she was made even more irresistible by the girdle she wore. The Venus de Milo is however, not wearing the infamous girdle. Why? Honestly, I couldn’t say but Alexandros carved his sculpture in admiration for the beauty of goddess.  Draped in cloth only on the lower half of her body, the vulnerable Venus looks to the distance with no shame.

Although Aphrodite is known for her beauty, the Venus de Milo has gained fame for her missing arms and original plinth that have long been detached from the body.  Every person has a different reason, but in one way or another, everyone is drawn to her.

When I visited the Louvre three summers ago, I entered the massive museum not knowing what to expect. Other than walking scenes from The Da Vinci Code, I was at the pace of the art. I turned the corner to head upstairs and then I saw her. Old yet timeless, she still sparkled in the gray Parisian light. To me, her lost arms made her even more beautiful and more curious. I stood at her base, staring up into her marble eyes, trying to wrap my mind around how long this sculpture has existed.

She has been maimed by harsh hands, both natural and man, yet she is no less immortal. She has been worshipped by the love struck and the heartbroken. She can give a history lesson to anyone willing to listen and lesson in love to anyone willing to open their hearts. For centuries, the Venus de Milo has embodied the power of Aphrodite. Today she stands in Paris, transfixed but still alive, reminding visitors that the power of love still exists.

Outside the Louvre- It's not the best picture, but this was one of my own, taken during my trip to Paris.

The Venus de Milo- not the greatest lighting but still breathtaking.