October 26, 2011–February 20, 2012

Aphrodite and the Gods of Love

Pay homage to the goddess of love at this groundbreaking exhibition featuring spectacular loans from Italy.

Known today as the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, or Venus as she was known to the Romans, was one of the most powerful ancient Greek divinities and a favorite subject in ancient art. This is the first exhibition about the powerful goddess that both ancient writers and artists described as complex and even dangerous. Through the presentation of 150 Greek and Roman works of art, “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love,” which includes spectacular loans from Rome and Naples, reveals the most popular ancient goddess in her roles as adulterous seductress, instigator of sexual desire, mother to mischievous Eros and sexual outliers Hermaphrodite and Priapos, patroness of brides, and much more.

  • Lois B. and Michael K. Torf Gallery (Gallery 184)

Sponsors

Generous corporate sponsorship provided by United Technologies Corporation.
The exhibition catalogue was made possible by the A.G. Leventis Foundation.
This exhibition is organized under the auspices of the President of the Italian Republic, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.
Conservation support for objects in the exhibition was provided by the Leon Levy Foundation. Additional support provided by The Hellenic Women’s Club.
The multimedia guide was made possible by the John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation.