6/15/25

By: Alexandros of Antioch

Venus (also Aphrodite) is seen here topless. As the goddess of beauty, she is the only goddess allowed to be depicted half naked. The way she stands, the tilt in her body, the expression on her face,  are characteristic of Hellenistic style sculptures. 

The lion body is a symbol of strength, the serpent on the Pharaoh head is a symbol of protection. The head decor he is wearing would shine light onto his face, showing that he is enlightened. His nose chipped off by a neighboring civilization that was proclaiming war, because if a pharaoh cant breathe, he will die. 

By: Eugene Delacroix

This painting is reflective of the July Revolution of 1830. The woman in the center stands as a symbol of justice. The choice by the painter of making a half-naked, shoeless, strong woman with body hair as the center of this peace, as the patron of justice and of face, is very empowering.