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Venus aux belles fesses
  • TitleVenus aux belles fesses
  • Technique/ MaterialCarrara marble
  • DimensionsDimensions: (h) 150 cm
    Dimensions: (b) 49 cm
    Dimensions: (dj) 30,5 cm
  • DatingMade c. 1780
  • Artist/Maker Artist: Johan Tobias Sergel, Swedish, born 1740-08-28, dead 1814-02-26
  • CategorySculpture
  • Inventory No.NMSk 360
  • AcquisitionTransferred 1865 Kongl. Museum
  • ExhibitedNationalmuseum, Room 1602 18th century
  • Description
    Artist/Maker
    Images and media

    For the Pillar Hall at the Royal Palace, Gustav III ordered an ancient replica, Venus aux belles fesses. The love goddess’ head, though, resembled Ulla von Höpken, Duke Fredrik Adolf’s former mistress. Her uncle, councillor von Fersen, tried but failed to get Sergel to lessen the likeness: the king wanted to have a go at his brother Fredrik Adolf for taking the wrong side in the family row over the crown prince’s legitimacy.