“Immodest venus” is also known as venus impudica, impudique and vénus de vibraye

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Particularly in the context of ancient sculptures. “Venus impudique” can refer to the representation venus goddesses in art. The term is often associated with neolithic and art history. Describing poses where the doll is depicted in a sensual or modest manner. And, more often than not, emphasizing beauty.

Venus impudica was found by Paul Hurault, 8th Marquis de Vibraye around 1864
At Laugerie-Basse in the Vézère valley. A famous archaeological site.

The figurine is carved from ivory. And, only eight centimetres tall

The term “impudique” translates to “immodest” or “indecent” in english
It typically denotes a departure from the more traditional, modest representations of venus. Commonly found in classical antiquity.

As to its function and significance. Despite diversity
It’s believed the name arises from the headless, footless, armless girl. But with a strongly incised vulva. Though some venuses suggesting fertility. Its features a flat stomach leading some to believe the figure could depict a young girl.

Contrasting to the Venus Pudica, and others
A class of Roman sculptures exist. More generally depicting the venus goddess. Yet unlike the immodest venus. They were covering their naked pubis with their one hand. And breasts with the other.

The term venus should not limited to one specific sculpture. It is more often linked to all representations of goddesses and art.

It should be noted that the interpretation of this venus. The venus impudique, can vary, and discussions about such representations. Involve considerations such as cultural and artistic contexts. Check it them out with some more neolithic architecture today!

Bibliography: Randall White (December 2008). “The Women of Brassempouy: A Century of Research and Interpretation” (http://blogimages.blogge
n.be/evodisku/attach/166144.pdf) (PDF). Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory. 13 (4):250–303. doi:10.1007/s10816-006-9023-z (https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10816-006-9023-z.S2CID) 161276973 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:161276973).

Vandewettering, Kaylea R. (2015). “Upper Paleolithic Venus Figurines and Interpretations of Prehistoric Gender Representations”. PURE Insights. 4 – via Western Oregon University

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