The Complexity and Legacy of Venus: Goddess of Love
Venus embodies the essence of adult love, characterized by impulsiveness, passion, and even jealousy. Her personality traits vary so widely that she often seems to be a collection of different characters across various myths. This variation aptly reflects the multifaceted nature of both Venus and, more broadly, love itself.
The Birth of Venus
Venus, in her ancient form, started as a Latin goddess linked closely to the growth of fields and gardens. It was only later, with her introduction to Roman culture, that she absorbed many attributes and stories associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The specifics of this transformation remain uncertain, but Venus was celebrated across many Latin regions, even though her origins have faded into the mists of history. In contrast, the narrative of Aphrodite is better preserved and more widely understood.
One popular myth concerning the origins of Aphrodite and Venus comes from Hesiod’s ‘Theogony.’ According to this tale, Aphrodite rose from the sea foam at the shores of the Greek isle of Kythera, fully grown. This miraculous birth followed the grim event of the castration of the god Uranus by his son, Cronus. The severed genitals were cast into the ocean, mingling with blood and giving rise to various mythical beings, including the Giants and the Furies. It was from the foam that Aphrodite emerged, symbolizing female beauty and allure. Significantly, she is never depicted as a child; her identity is rooted in romance, desire, fertility, and femininity. She often appears alongside Cupids, who provide a contrast to her adult associations by embodying innocence.
The placement of Venus alongside Aphrodite is worthy of exploration. Aphrodite’s connection to the planet Venus has ancient origins; she is often regarded as the Hellenistic Greek version of Astarte. Astarte, the Phoenician goddess, is celebrated for her ties to beauty, sexuality, fertility, and also the planet Venus, sharing a historical worship place with Aphrodite on Kythera. Similarly, Ishtar, a Mesopotamian deity, is recognized as an even earlier version of both.
Venus as an Icon
Today, Venus/Aphrodite serves as a significant symbol in popular culture, frequently appearing in Valentine’s Day expressions of affection. Her image has seen a resurgence, particularly in the context of modern views on love and the empowerment movements over the past five decades. Depicted in Botticelli’s iconic works as well as various contemporary art styles, she symbolizes the celebration of love with depth. While often dismissed as shallow due to her beauty, there is much more to her narrative. Women, in particular, resonate with her story as it represents fierce, unapologetic love.
Her intense dedication is notably encapsulated in the legends surrounding the Trojan War, instigated by Eris, the goddess of discord. She incited rivalry among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, leading them to vie for the title of the most beautiful. Each offered Paris a tempting prize; while Hera promised power and Athena wisdom, Aphrodite captivated him with the beautiful Helen of Troy, who was already wed to Agamemnon. Paris’s choice of Aphrodite not only sparked the Trojan War but also showcased her proactive involvement in defending her choices. She openly sided with the Trojans, even risking injury to rescue her son Aeneas and Paris during battle.
Through her actions in this narrative, Venus emerges as a powerful symbol of femininity and empowerment, embracing her sexuality, passion, and strength without shame.
Lladró’s Gondola of Love
The Lladró piece titled Gondola of Love beautifully portrays Venus in a glossy gondola, elegantly canopied. Surrounding her are Lladró’s intricately crafted flowers, showcasing the artistry involved in the piece. A cherub featured at the bow of the boat playfully aims his bow, while another cherub steers from the rear, all while Venus gazes dreamily into the distance.
Traditionally, Venus is accompanied by cherubs or handmaidens that exemplify the various types of love known to ancient Greeks and Romans, such as Agape (selfless love), Eros (romantic love), and Pragma (mature love). Venus herself often embodies Eros and Pragma, representing adult aspects of love, while cherubs signify more innocent affections.
Love is marked by its complexities; it can be passionate, impulsive, and even painful, yet also nurturing and re-energizing. Just like the goddess herself, perceptions of Venus range from shallow interpretations to a deeper recognition of her robust character. She continually proves she cannot be confined to the traditional role of a goddess of love and beauty alone, showcasing endless layers beneath her surface.
