"Aphrodite of Cnidus" since its inception anduntil today, is considered the best sculptural image of the goddess of love. Unfortunately, the original work of the great Praxitela has not been preserved. However, copies of the sculpture, as well as its images on coins, allow to capture a piece of the feeling that caused the masterpiece of the ancient Romans and Greeks.
Bold decision
Статую богини заказали мастеру жители острова Кос.It was supposed to place it in the temple. Praxitel created two versions of the sculpture. One, which the customers chose as a result, was made in the traditional manner: the figure of the goddess was covered with a carefully crafted drape. The second statue, which will later be called "Aphrodite of Cnidus", remained in the workshop of Praxitel for a while. This sculpture depicted a completely naked goddess.
"Aphrodite of Cnidus" became the first suchcreation in the era of antiquity. For that time, the decision was quite bold, which is why the inhabitants of Kos preferred a different option. And they were wrong. The dressed "Aphrodite" was not preserved neither in the form of copies, nor in the descriptions of contemporaries. The second statue brought fame not only to Praxitele, but also to the temple where it was installed.
City Knid
Not long stood in the studio masterpiece, whichcreated Praksitel. "Aphrodite of Cnidus" was bought by residents of the city, in whose honor she was named later. The statue was installed in the open-air temple, and very soon pilgrims from all over Greece began to flock to it. The city of Knidd began to flourish. "Aphrodite" work Praksitelya as well as other famous sights today, has enriched the treasury due to the influx of people who want to see the sculpture. Ancient Greek historians write that the townspeople even refused to give it to the king of Bithynia Nikomed I in payment of a very large debt.
Model
Antique authors claim that the statue of AphroditeCnidus was a sculptural portrait of the beloved Praxitela. Hetera Phryne, who conquered the master with her beauty, served as a model for a masterpiece. For that time it was not permissible. One of the rejected admirers of beauty, as ancient historians narrate, accused her of godlessness. As they would say now, the matter caused a wide resonance. However, hetera was justified. During the trial, a sign from defender Phryne took off her clothes, and the judges, fascinated by her beauty, dropped all charges. However, it was not only the attractiveness of female nudity. In ancient Greece, it was believed that such a beautiful body could not contain a vicious soul.
According to experts, the wonderfully executed face of the goddess speaks in favor of the version of the existence of the model. It clearly contains individual features, and not just a generalized image of beauty.
Mythological plot
Praxitel imprinted the goddess at the moment when shepreparing for swimming. According to Greek legends, Aphrodite took a special bath every day. She allowed the goddess to constantly return her virginity. Nude Aphrodite in one hand holds clothes, folds falling on a jug. This element served not only a decorative function: it was an additional support of high sculpture.
In height, the statue reached two meters.Praxitel made it from marble, a material, in his opinion, to a greater degree than, for example, bronze, capable of conveying the tenderness and translucency of the skin, the play of surface tones.
Copies
"Aphrodite of Cnidus," whose photo can be seen inThe article, unfortunately, is not original. The statue during the heyday of Byzantium was sent to Constantinople, where she died along with many other masterpieces of Antiquity. However, preserved copies of the great master sculpture. Today there are about fifty.
The greatest safety have copies thatlocated in Gliptotek (Munich) and the Vatican Museum. Of particular interest is the torso of the goddess, located in the Louvre. Many researchers of Greek culture tend to believe that it is he who gives the best idea of the original. Unfortunately, copies do not convey the full impression that the Praxitele masterpiece produced.
Inspirer
"Афродита Книдская" была не просто объектом universal adoration and cult sculpture. Young men fell in love with her, poems were devoted to her. The statue at all times remained a source of inspiration for many artists. And in the past century, the masterpiece of Praxitel was not forgotten. The great mystifier, Salvador Dali, used the image of the goddess in creating his painting The Appearance of Aphrodite Cnidus in the Landscape. However, many of this artist's work is not known for reproductions in museums.
In 1982, the first perfume aroma appeared.lines Salvador Dali. For the design of the box and the design of the bottle the artist used his picture. The basis of the fragrance formed their favorite roses and jasmine. A miniature reproduction of the picture is placed on the box. The bottle is made in the form of a nose and lips, also depicted on the canvas and copied from the statue of Praxitor.
"Aphrodite of Cnidus," though preserved onlyin the form of copies, is considered one of the best works of ancient Greek sculptors. It embodies the ancient standard of beauty, it can be said, is the hallmark of the era with its desire for harmony of spirit and body, singing at the same time both earthly and heavenly. Praxitel's special merit as a master is in the ability to express this in marble, as well as in his ability to create from stone a tender young body, so carefully crafted, that it seems alive.
