Isabelo L Tampinco “Venus reclining on a sea monster with Pluto.”

“Venus reclining on a sea monster with Pluto.”

By Isabelo L Tampinco [ 1850 – 1933]

cold cast marble.

29cm x 54cm x 6cm deep.

Signed.. ILT.

“Venus became a popular subject of painting and sculpture during the Renaissance period in Europe. As a "classical" figure for whom nudity was her natural state, it was socially acceptable to depict her unclothed. As the goddess of sexuality, a degree of erotic beauty in her presentation was justified, which appealed to many artists and their patrons.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Tampinco's version of Venus on the sea monster is very different from the sculpture by John Deare (English, 1759 - 1798) which is the most heralded sculpture.

Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, reclines on a fantastic sea monster in this allegory of Lust. The goddess entwines her fingers in the creature's mane a gesture that represents erotic intent while in the background Pluto adds to the amorous imagery by holding her leg, undoubtedly meant to suggest the burning ardor of desire. The sea monster carries Venus through the frothy waves, as she rests back her gaze looks of into the distance with anticipation.

Isabelo Tampinco displayed his great skill in carving a variety of levels and textures in this sculpture, from the low relief of the Pluto to the smooth, full depiction of Venus, and finally to the sea monsters head and snout and wavy strands of hair caught in the waves of the sea, carved with energy and precision.

Tampinco's classic depiction of Lust as a woman riding on a sea monster forms part of the classic sculptural tradition that was been popular in the Philippines during the Spanish times.since the Middle Ages.

This sculpture is signed on the back of the lower base “ ILT”.

Everything about this sculpture is stunning and shows the amazing talent of the true cultural heritage of the work of Isabelo Tampinco.

Written by , Mark E Shellshear.
                     Art consultant.