Aphrodite of Knidos

Artist Praxiteles

Date ca. 340-330 BCE

Movement Greek | Late Classical

Medium Marble

Height over-life-size

Proud and powerful, if not irreverent, deities of fifth century sculpture now take upon a more human-like quality. Praxiteles here introduces the first-ever known female nude in Grecian history, attracting audiences from all over to the city of Knidos. Depicted is Aphrodite having just risen from a bath or preparing for one. Her right hand displays modesty, but her nudity and sensual, curvaceous pose and abashed gaze suggest a complicated intimacy with any viewer.