#ViennaMuseum

[sliceoflife90]

The Venus of Willendorf

Exploring the Majestic Venus of Willendorf: A Paleolithic Masterpiece

The Venus of Willendorf, considered the most illustrious among the Paleolithic Venuses, is a statuette carved from oolitic limestone and adorned with red ochre paintings, standing at a height of 11 cm. Dated between 24,000 and 22,000 B.C., this iconic work of art is not native to the region where it was discovered but now reigns supreme in the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Chronicle of an Extraordinary Discovery

In 1908, archaeologist Josef Szombathy discovered the Venus of Willendorf at an archaeological site near Willendorf in der Wachau, along the left bank of the Danube in Austria. The Paleolithic site underwent careful examination around 1990, allowing a reevaluation of previous estimates regarding the artwork's dating. Stratigraphic analysis indicated that the statuette was created between 25,000 and 26,000 years ago, a significant correction from earlier estimates that erroneously placed it between 10,000 B.C. and 32,000 B.C.

Sculptural Anatomy: Details and Vibrant Colors

The Venus of Willendorf, representing a nude female figure, rests her arms on her breasts. The most distinctive features are the rounded and ample forms, while facial features are deliberately left uncarved. The spherical head is covered with a hairstyle interpreted as a headdress of shells or a coiffure, perhaps reminiscent of the curly and frizzy hair typical of the African population.

The reddish clay surface, combined with the yellowish and porous limestone, creates a play of light and shadow that highlights the roughness of the surface. The underlying shadow emphasizes the abundant shapes of the figure, creating a suggestive chiaroscuro effect.

Symbolic Meaning: Fertility and Mother Earth Worship

The Venus of Willendorf, the precursor of prehistoric Venuses, is steeped in symbolism. These statuettes, usually ranging from 3 to 15 cm, often feature elongated legs and heads, perhaps suggesting the practice of embedding them in fields or among cave rocks, according to the customs of the time.

Accentuated sexual traits, such as monumental breasts, a prominent belly, and ample buttocks, are interpreted as symbols of fertility. The Venus of Willendorf, with its pronounced forms and attention to detail in sculpture, connects to the worship of Mother Earth and her ability to foster prosperity.

In conclusion, this statuette embodies the symbolism of an era where population growth was pivotal in elevating social status, emphasizing the primary importance of births in the construction of a civilization.

[steellegacy]

Photo: @petergalbavy #weltmuseumwien #rüstkammerwien #viennamuseum #craftmanship #knightsinshiningarmour https://www.instagram.com/p/BuyW0vAHl5d/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gjilij1hgxi2

[nine-mal]

Dead Thinkers • Dead Lovers • Dead Dreamers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #sentementes_photography #artographia #exhibitionphotography #viennanow #viennaaustria #museumphotography #viennamuseum #kunsthistorischesmuseum #travellust #culturetrip #bestplacestogo #travelgoals #starttheadventure #travelpost #livetotravel #sheisnotlost #thewanderingtourist #womantravel #kunsthistorisches #stephanscathedral #festung #museumnacht #meinwien #igersvienna #wienstagram #austria_memories #viennatouristboardcaravaggio #caravaggioexperience (at Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvZsv1Il3A/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ekkta-rana]

This picture is from 2019 in Vienna, Austria. And all of us were totally unaware of where we were heading to. Currently, we are healing from what has happened and what is still going on in our immediate environment. But, we are equally hopeful and grateful . Looking back at these old pictures makes me realise how grateful I should have been and should be for everything, from official leaves to visas and flights, Did I forget to mention 'money'? All throwbacks, then, could be considered spam by some, but I adore them nonetheless. In my mind, they sound like a promise to take to the skies again (soon).🧿🧿🧿🤞🤞🤞 . . . . . . . . . #austria #austria🇦🇹 #austriavacations #austriagram #austriatrip #vienna #viennanow #vienna_austria #viennaaustria #viennagram #viennalove #viennacity #viennamuseum #viennatouristboard #museum #sheisnotlost #iamtb #travelblogger #ladiesgoneglobal #passionpassport #sightseeing #walkingtourvienna #europetravel #topviennaphoto #mapofeurope #topeuropephoto #instavienna (at Vienna City Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6jaq5B7F0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agnidasein]

I love plant in museum too 🍀🌿🎋 . . #jungle #albertinamodern #contemporaryart #chineseart #photoart #danielrichter #tonycragg #paintingtoday #artinvienna #viennamuseum #happywomansday #enjoyyoureyes #spaziergang #junglephotography (at Albertina Modern) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMMci2fAw9g/?igshid=1l66fxfb97suo

[philprax]

#makwien #sheilahicks #exhibition #viennamuseum #artwork https://www.instagram.com/p/CLthDWkFrKf/?igshid=1stvxffnrlybn

[blabberart]

Went to #hgm today. First Sunday of the month is free entry! #museum #vienna #arsenalvienna #viennamuseum https://www.instagram.com/p/B8FAkidFGrI/?igshid=cy9pc5af16s9

[futurelovesibanda-blog]

××× Move The Painting ××× #thisisfuturelove #dance #danceproject #hubertscheibl #fly # #belvederevienna #hope #longing #belvedere #belvederecastle #movethepaiting #viennamuseum (at Belvedere Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoErfBphoXO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rj9xg86yypwe

[notinnewhall]

Published by the London auction house of Christie, Manson & Woods in 1860, the Catalogue of the Celebrated Collection of Works of Art and Vertu, known as "The Vienna Museum”, was illustrated with 35 salted paper prints from albumen on glass negatives made by German engraver and photographer Hermann Emden (1815-1875). This collection was begun in the sixteenth century by the Emperor Maximilian I, increased by the Emperor Rudolph II, and in 1782 was sold to the Chevalier van Schönfeld. Schönfeld opened it to the public under the title "The Technological Museum of Vienna. According to The Truthful Lense, No. 34, this is the first auction sale catalogue illustrated with original photographs. . Hermann Emden - Bust of St Ursula, salted paper print, 4 7/16 in x 6 1/4 in, The Patrick Montgomery Collection, Object No. 2021.076. . Hermann Emden - Silver Tankards and Gothic Chalice, salted paper print, 7 1/4 in x 5 1/8 in, The Patrick Montgomery Collection, Object No. 2021.076 . Hermann Emden - Tycho Brahe's Astronomical Instrument, 1860, salted paper print, 4 3/4 in x 6 in, The Patrick Montgomery Collection, Object No. 2021.076. . Hermann Emden - Busts and Group in Boxwood, 1860, salted paper print, 5 1/4 in x 6 1/16 in, The Patrick Montgomery Collection, Object No. 2021.076. . Christie, Manson and Woods - Catalogue of the Celebrated Collection of Works of Art and Vertu, Known as "The Vienna Museum", 1860, auction catalog, 6 5/8 in x 10 The Patrick Montgomery Collection, Object No. 2021.076. . #viennamuseum #christies #auction #saltedpaperprint #historyofphotography #photographyhistory #notinnewhall #19thcenturyphotography #vintagephotography #photohistory

[effiefondly]

When you're trying to look cute but they made you wear your backpack on your stomach... 🎒🎒🎒 . . . . #militaryhistory #navalships #veryserious #europeanmuseums #viennamuseums http://ift.tt/2wiHR4C

[amandakarr09]

Vienna Museums Continue. Hello Albertina!

[agnidasein]

Gerhard Richter: Landscape Vielen Dank @kunstforumwien für die Gelegenheit, die Kunst des Genies unserer Zeit zu genießen 🖤 . . . . #austria🇦🇹 #germanart #gerhardrichter #landscapepaintings #grau #artistsoul #topartist #expensive #richter #maler #painter #thebest #ratedart #lovelife #vienna #viennamuseums #viennalife #sky #himmel #sculptureart #kugel (at Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFy3UoVgyU-/?igshid=12s4mxtmti3jy

[agnidasein]

Tappetenfabric ▫️🖤▫️ . . . . #albertina #deutschekünstler #viennaartist #inmuseum #tapete #comtemporaryart #weltgeschichte #worldhistory #tiefekunst #deepart #seelischegesundheit #pastosemalerei #jüdisch #2worldwar #artlover #viennamuseums #anselmkiefer #mythology (at Albertina Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCh5dP3g0z9/?igshid=pg3nvwp450bn