Vénus d'Arles Leaves Louvre for Landmark Aphrodite Exhibition in Arles

The statue of Vénus d'Arles has been transported from the Louvre to the Musée départemental Arles antique for the exhibition titled "Le passage de Vénus," which will be on display until October 31, 2026. This exhibition, curated by Ludovic Laugier, Jean de Loisy, and Romy Wyche, showcases ancient ceramics, bronzes, and marbles alongside contemporary artists such as Gustave Moreau and Andy Warhol. It examines the transformation of Aphrodite from her Greek roots, where she was first represented nude by Praxitèle in the 4th century BCE, to her Roman form as Venus. Discovered in 1651, the statue was gifted to Louis XIV and later restored by François Girardon. Additionally, the exhibition features loans that highlight various depictions of Aphrodite and modern pieces by Annette Messager and Niki de Saint Phalle.