Aphrodite (Louvre-Naples type)

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The sculptural form of Venus Genetrix, a Louvre-Naples type, showcases the Roman goddess Venus in her role as mother, honoring the Julio-Claudian dynasty's claim that she was their ancestor. The Julio-Claudians followed Julius Caesar's lead in revering Venus as their ancestral figure, setting the stage for the Roman designation of an iconological type of Aphrodite originating among the Greeks. On the eve of the pivotal battle of Pharsalus (48 BC), Julius Caesar vowed to build a temple at Rome dedicated to Venus, his supposed ancestor. Fulfilling this vow, he constructed a new forum and erected a temple of Venus Genetrix there. Historical accounts identify the cult statue within the temple as the work of Greek sculptor Arkesilaos. Two types of Roman examples in marble, bronze, and terra cotta compete among scholars for recognition as representing the draped Venus Genetrix. In addition to the type described below, another exists where Venus carries an infant Eros on her shoulder.