Grand Tour 18th Century Alto Relievo Marble Plaque of the Capitoline Venus

Very cheeky and extremely rare late 18th century Grand Tour marble alto relievo relief panel of the Capitoline Venus. Carved from the back, this view shows a more erotic angle to this famous statue. Discovered in the late 17th century, the original was purchased by Pope Benedict XIV in 1752 and presented to the Capitoline Museum. It was housed in a room known as the 'The Cabinet of Venus', where it remains to this day. Presented in its original gold and ebonised frame. Rome, circa 1790.

H 31cm x W 23.5cm x D 2.5cm
Plaque: H 18.5cm x W 11cm
Visual area: H 17.5cm x W 10cm 

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