3-008-591 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: "Venus", a coloured marble statue, by J. Gibson, R.A., 1862. 'An idea seems to be current that the statue is painted in imitation of flesh, and that it will be but a marble replica of a pose plastique in salmon-coloured tights. Mr. Gibson has not so endeavoured to caricature Nature. The tinting of his matchless Venus is of the very faintest and most delicate hue, and the principal effect on the spectator will be that the figure is of ivory, and not of marble...It is coloured very slightly, and has been gifted with a pair of gold earrings. It is a sweet figure. The attitude is exquisitely graceful, and the significance of the Venus de Medici is earned out by the position in which this modern goddess gathers up the folds of her white drapery with one hand, while with the other she holds the golden apple. A peculiarity is noticeable about her throat, which is crossed by slight wrinkles, or, rather, ripples. This is considered by Italian judges to be a beauty; and perhaps when Mr. Gibson is at Rome he not only does as they do there, but thinks as they think'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.