Venus willendorf statue

The Venus of Willendorf, an 11 cm Paleolithic figurine carved about 25,000 years ago, represents the glacial era fertility ideal and is one of the most iconic examples of prehistoric art.

About this subject

The Venus of Willendorf was discovered on August 7, 1908 by archaeologist Josef Szombathy on the banks of the Danube near Willendorf, Austria. The figurine stands approximately 11.1 cm tall and is carved from oolitic limestone, a material not native to the region, suggesting it was transported by nomadic people. Traces of red ochre pigment indicate it was originally painted.

The figure represents a woman with prominent breasts, abdomen, and hips, as well as detailed vulva, while the arms are thin and rest on the chest. The face is intentionally featureless or covered by a stylized hat or hair. The feet are absent, suggesting the statuette could be held or placed upright.

Interpreted as a fertility and abundance symbol, the Venus of Willendorf belongs to a corpus of over 200 similar figurines known as 'Paleolithic Venuses', spanning from France to Siberia. Dated by stratigraphy and cultural context to between 25,000 and 28,000 years ago, it corresponds to the Upper Gravettian period.

The name 'Venus' is ironic and anachronistic, linking the Roman goddess of love to a prehistoric figure. Current studies debate its purpose: hunting talisman, mother goddess representation, or female self-portrait. The original statuette is housed at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria, and continues to influence modern art, feminism, and archaeology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when was the Venus of Willendorf found?

The figurine was discovered on August 7, 1908 near Willendorf, Austria, by an archaeological team led by Josef Szombathy.

What material is the Venus of Willendorf made of?

It is carved from oolitic limestone, a sedimentary rock with small spherical grains, and bears traces of red ochre pigment.

How old is the Venus of Willendorf estimated to be?

It is believed to be between 25,000 and 28,000 years old, dating to the Upper Gravettian period of the Paleolithic.