Aphrodite, naughty or nice? All sides of the goddess revealed - through July 9 only

Aphrodite and the Gods of Love
Closes July 9 | The Getty Villa

"A fine exhibition that restores the fullness—as well as the occasionally creepy eccentricity—of the marvelous mythological figure."   —Los Angeles Times

Aphrodite was more than the goddess of love. For the Greeks as well as the Romans (who knew her as Venus), Aphrodite's power extended far beyond the realms of sex, desire, and marriage. Though often kind, she could be manipulative and destructive in matters of the heart. She also played a key role in civic harmony, the fates of sailors, and even warfare.

Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in association with the J. Paul Getty Museum, this exhibition presents all sides of Aphrodite and her companions through beautiful objects ranging from large-scale sculpture to delicate jewelry drawn from both museums' collections, as well as major loans from Italian institutions.

Learn more about the exhibition »

Final days for Aphrodite and the Gods of Love - closes July 9
Cupid (detail), Roman, A.D. 1–50. The J. Paul Getty Museum

Banner image: Venus (The Venus of Capua) (detail), Roman, A.D. 117–138. Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei. Image © www.pedicinimages.com
More Ways to Explore Aphrodite

F R E E   L E C T U R E
Aphrodite's Scent and the Essence of Life
Thursday, June 21 | 7:30 p.m.

Archaeologists have recently found evidence of an ancient perfume workshop on Cyprus, Aphrodite's mythical birthplace. Excavation director Maria Rosaria Belgiorno discusses these new finds and explores ancient perfume and its connection with the goddess. Free; a ticket is required.

Learn more and get tickets »

O N   T H E   I R I S
Articles by Exhibition Curator David Saunders

• Ponder disturbing and seductive visions of sleep »

• Learn why Cupid is much naughtier than he seems »

• Discover the surprising parallels between sculptures of Aphrodite and Herb Ritts's photographs of Cindy Crawford »

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