Venus Callipyge, Stone statue in Tuileries Garden, France
Venus Callipyge is a stone sculpture in the Tuileries Garden that depicts a female figure turning to look back over her shoulder. The work stands near the south basin, displaying the craftsmanship typical of 17th-century French royal sculpture.
Sculptor François Barois created this marble work between 1683 and 1686 for the royal court of King Louis XIV. The piece underwent modifications in later decades as it was moved and adjusted to reflect changing standards of the time.
The sculpture's name comes from Greek words meaning beautiful and buttocks, reflecting how French artists drew inspiration from classical antiquity. It represents the tastes of royal court patrons who valued references to ancient mythology in their collections.
The statue is accessible year-round within the garden's operating hours and can be viewed from the main pathways. Wheelchair users can reach the area through the designated routes that run throughout the grounds.
The original marble sculpture was enhanced with added drapery in response to shifting attitudes about the depiction of the human form. This modification reveals how artworks were adapted to meet the social expectations of different eras.
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