Venus Genetrix at The Louvre, Paris

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The iconic representation of Venus Genetrix showcases the Roman goddess Venus in her maternal aspect, as she was revered by the Julio-Claudian dynasty of Rome. The Romans followed Julius Caesar's precedent in claiming Venus as their ancestor, establishing a historical connection to an iconological type of Aphrodite originating among the Greeks. On the eve of the decisive battle of Pharsalus (48 BC), Julius Caesar pledged to consecrate a temple at Rome to Venus, his supposed ancestral figure. He fulfilled his vow by constructing a temple of Venus Genetrix in the new forum he built. Ancient references attribute the cult statue in the temple to a renowned Greek sculptor, Arkesilaos. Scholars debate two types, found in numerous Roman examples in marble, bronze, and terra cotta, as contenders for representing the draped Venus Genetrix type. Besides the described type below, another depiction shows Venus carrying an infant Eros on her shoulder.