The expression of physical and emotional pain in this statue is so materialistic as to be repulsive to sensitive natures. The scene is literally too sensational for sculpture. “Its pathology overpowers its pathos.”


Venus.
“Goddess of Love and Beauty.”

Look, look, why shine

Those floating bubbles with such light divine?

They break, and from their mist a lily form

Rises from out the wave in beauty warm.

—Shelley.

STORY.
THE BIRTH OF VENUS.