Aphrodite Leaning against a Pillar at The Louvre, Paris

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Initially recognized as Thalia, the muse of comedy, this statue was later reidentified as Euterpe, the muse of flute-playing, during the nineteenth century. However, its true identity lies in an ancient replica of Aphrodite leaning against a pillar, probably Alcamenes' Aphrodite of the Gardens, created at the end of the fifth century BC. The pose of the goddess and the handling of the drapery showcase "mannerist" style characteristics. Once part of Louis XIV's collection, this statue has undergone numerous interpretations throughout history. It was first identified as a muse due to the crow and bay (or olive) branch carved on the pillar, symbols of Apollo, protector of the Muses. Some believed it represented Thalia, while others thought it depicted Euterpe holding a double flute in her right hand. In the nineteenth century, the statue was mistakenly identified as a classical replica of an Aphrodite leaning against a pillar. However, it wasn't until later that same century that experts realized this work was actually a reproduction of Alcamenes' famous Aphrodite of the Gardens, created at the end of the fifth century BC. This masterpiece features a goddess wearing a chiton and robe covering only her lower body, leaning on a pillar with distinct slouching hips. The head was likely veiled in its original form. The attribution to Alcamenes is based primarily on the pose of the figure and the handling of the drapery, reminiscent of sculptures found in the temple of Athena Nike and certain caryatids from the Erechtheum. This statuary type can also be seen in a relief at the Louvre that reproduces the base of statues for the temple of Hephaestus. This piece is firmly rooted in the "mannerist" style, which emerged after 430 BC. The unstable pose necessitates support for the figure, a novelty introduced at the end of the fifth century BC. The treatment of the drapery foreshadows the transparency effects of the 'wet drapery' style and highlights the female form with rich folds tracing almond shapes around the belly and thighs. The garment has slipped away to reveal the left shoulder, a motif inspired by goddesses depicted in the Parthenon frieze and eastern pediment.