Venus of Willendorf

When beginning a class in western art history it is not rare for professors to choose to begin the survey with Venus of Wilendorf. In a comprehensive exploration of western art history there are many Venuses, but this little lady is the first, so it is only fitting to make introductions with her.

The Venus was found in Willendorf Austria, and stands at four inches tall, just big enough to fit in your hand. Despite her small stature, the Venus is often describes as "monumental" for she looks like she could be much bigger. She is defined by the many bubous spherical forms that make her. Carved anywhere from 25,000-21,000 BC the Venus of Willendorf is the oldest example of human depiction. Some theories state that this Venus was carved by a woman observing her own body by looking down upon it, and that is why the shapes are so exaggerated and bulbous. Another theory believes that this is a fertility figure and that is why the reproductive and nursing body parts are emphasized. Historians do agree that these figurines were common in the Upper Paleolithic era. They were made to be small so they could be kept on person, perhaps as an item of worship, a fertility charm, or a sacred item. Regardless of their overall purpose, these items were precious to their keepers which is proved by their transportable size and the expertise that went into carving. The Venus of Wildendorf is the finest example of Prehistoric sculpture and stands today as a symbol of feminism and womanhood.