Part of Crouching Venus at The Louvre, Paris

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The sculpture fragment depicts a crouching figure of Aphrodite, also known as Venus. This piece is part of a series called 'Aphrodite Crouching', created in 250 BC by Doidalsas of Bithynia. The Hellenistic model shows Venus surprised during her bath and has been widely excavated on Roman sites in Italy and France, indicating its popularity. In most versions, the figure crouches with her right knee near the ground, turns her head to the right, and covers her breasts with her right arm. Examples of this sculpture can be found in prominent collections and have influenced modern sculptors like Giambologna and artists such as Martin Heemskerck, who drew a version that is now housed in Naples. This object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative, a non-profit project that aims to create a digital archive of 3D printable sculptures and artworks from around the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort, and individuals can contribute by emailing stw@myminifactory.com with interesting items they'd like to scan and share.