Jean de Boulogne detto Giambologna (style of) (Douai 1529-Firenze 1608), Venus in the bath

18th-19th century

Black patinated bronze sculpture: 23 x 13 x 9 cm base: 3 x 12 x 10 cm


This bronze reproduces a famous "crouching" Venus by Giambologna. The original bronze is preserved in the Bargello National Museum, Florence (inv.62 B). Many bronze derivations were produced up to the 18th century and even later.

This fusion certainly denotes great executive ability and probably dates back to the 18th century or to the early 19th century.

The bronze, which could be part of the refined grand tour production, maintains the same typical elements of the original casting, for example the gesture of the hand and the squared nails, so typical of Giambologna's style.


The quality of the chisel and the smoothness of the body make it a rare collector's item.

Beatrice Paolozzi Strozzi, Dimitrios Zikos, Giambologna gli Dei gli Eroi, Giunti ed., Prato, 2006, pp.199-200.