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The Venus of Brassempouy — Saint-Germain-en-Laye
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Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France 246 views

The Venus of Brassempouy

In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, is the famous Venus de Brassempouy, a prehistoric figurine that represents the oldest known realistic portrait of a human face.The Venus of Brassempouy is a small mammoth ivory sculpture dating to the Upper Paleolithic period, dated to about 25,0...

Photo · Rebecca M.

The Venus of Brassempouy — Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.

Location
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Type
Art, Theaters and Museums
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About The Venus of Brassempouy

The Venus of Brassempouy - Saint-Germain-en-Laye | Secret World Trip Planner

In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, is the famous Venus de Brassempouy, a prehistoric figurine that represents the oldest known realistic portrait of a human face.The Venus of Brassempouy is a small mammoth ivory sculpture dating to the Upper Paleolithic period, dated to about 25,000 years ago. The sculpture depicts a human face, specifically a female figure, and is notable for its extraordinary precision and detail in rendering anatomical features.The figurine features an oval-shaped face with elongated eyes, a pronounced nose, and thin lips. What makes the Brassempouy Venus so remarkable is its naturalness and ability to capture the individual features of the face, making it an extraordinary work of prehistoric art.The Brassempouy Venus is considered an important archaeological find, as it demonstrates the artistic skills and sensitivity of our ancient predecessors in creating realistic representations of the human figure. It is an extraordinary expression of prehistoric art and a valuable cultural treasure that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and art of our distant ancestors.Currently, the Venus of Brassempouy is on display at the National History Museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where visitors can admire its beauty and understand its historical and artistic significance. It is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in prehistoric art and culture and to appreciate the mastery and innovation of our ancient ancestors in the art of sculpture.

The Venus of Brassempouy - Saint-Germain-en-Laye | Secret World Trip Planner
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Venus of Brassempouy is permanently displayed at the National History Museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, located just outside Paris. This is the only place where you can view this extraordinary 25,000-year-old mammoth ivory sculpture in person.
The Venus of Brassempouy dates back approximately 25,000 years to the Upper Paleolithic period, making it the oldest known realistic portrait of a human face. It is an important archaeological find that demonstrates the remarkable artistic skills and sensitivity of our prehistoric ancestors in creating detailed human representations.
Unlike many prehistoric figurines, the Venus of Brassempouy is notable for its extraordinary precision and naturalism, featuring an oval-shaped face with carefully rendered anatomical details including elongated eyes, a pronounced nose, and thin lips. Its ability to capture individual facial features makes it a remarkable and unique example of prehistoric artistry.
The Venus of Brassempouy is a small sculpture carved from mammoth ivory, showcasing the craftsmanship of Upper Paleolithic artists. This precious material choice demonstrates the value and importance ancient peoples placed on creating this realistic portrait.
Yes, a visit to Saint-Germain-en-Laye to see the Venus of Brassempouy at the National History Museum is absolutely worthwhile for anyone interested in prehistoric art and archaeology. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient human culture and witness the extraordinary mastery and innovation of our distant ancestors in sculpture.

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