Vintage Chalkware Lounging Lady

A striking reproduction of Antonio Canova’s famous neoclassical masterpiece, Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix (1805–08), the original of which sits in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

The subject is Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger sister, who caused a scandal at the time by posing semi-nude as Venus. When asked how she could bear to pose that way, she reportedly quipped that the studio was heated. Her husband was said to have kept the original locked away from public view for years.

This piece faithfully captures the key details of the original: the reclining pose on an Empire-style daybed, the apple of Venus in her hand, the swept-up hairstyle with headband, tasselled cushions, scrolled headrest and the rosette and palmette frieze around the base. It has an antiqued ivory finish with brown patina worked into the recesses to highlight the carving.

It makes an elegant statement piece for a mantel, bookshelf or sideboard, and suits anyone who loves classical art, Grand Tour-style décor or Italian souvenir sculpture.

47cm long x 28cm tall

Available at La La Vintage
67 Semaphore Road,
Semaphore SA 5019
(Next to Odeon Cinema)