One of the most famous masterpieces from Roman antiquity—the Capitoline Venus—has been on view in the United States for the first time at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Unearthed in the 1670s, it was given in 1752 by Pope Benedict XIV to the Capitoline Museum and was among the trophies that Napoleon Bonaparte seized in 1797. It was returned in 1816, became popular with tourists, and inspired a story by American author Mark Twain. Don’t miss your last chance to see this beauty from antiquity before she goes home to Rome! The exhibition A Masterpiece from the Capitoline Museum, Rome: "The Capitoline Venus" closes on Monday, September 5.

For more information and press images, visit http://www.nga.gov/press/2011/venus.shtm.

Deborah Ziska | Chief of Press and Public Information

National Gallery of Art | Washington, DC

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