Venus Verticordia

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Venus Verticordia: A Masterpiece in White Marble; circa 1833-38 By John Gibson Inscribed on the tortoise's shell, a testament to his craftsmanship, is the phrase 'OPVS IOANNIS GIBSON ROMAE'. John Gibson recounts how Joseph Neeld, a wealthy MP from 1789 to 1856, had visited his studio in Rome multiple times before commissioning him to create a 'Venus, nude yet draped modestly, without compromising her form'. Gibson's inspiration stemmed from Classical prototypes, and he portrayed the Roman goddess of love as an idealized female figure with elegant curves and soft modeling, holding the golden apple awarded by Paris for her breathtaking beauty. Although apples are often linked to sensual love, Gibson titled his statue Venus Verticordia, or the one who turns men's hearts, and later recalled how he had 'endeavored to infuse my Venus with a spiritual elevation of character that arises from purity and sweetness'.