According to the artist, this sculpture was developed from another life-size nude entitled 'Summer' (also on Scan the World), made in 1910. The model for this 'Venus', however, was a Spanish maid who came to work for Maillol at the end of the First World War. Maillol later recalled that he worked on the piece over a period of several years. A plaster version, complete with necklace, was exhibited in Paris in 1928 and a bronze cast was sold the same year. Named after the goddess of love, this sculpture epitomises Maillol's vision of feminine beauty.

Aristide Joseph Bonaventure Maillol was a French sculptor, painter, designer and illustrator. He began his career as a painter and tapestry designer, but after c. 1900 devoted himself to three-dimensional work, becoming one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.