The Venus de' Medici, ca. 1800?

William Mulready RA (1786 - 1863)

RA Collection: Art

When Mulready began his formal training at the Royal Academy Schools, students began by drawing casts of Greek and Roman sculpture. The Venus de' Medici was one of the most celebrated Classical sculptures, revered as an example of ideal female beauty and frequently drawn by students. This early study by Mulready was probably drawn from one of the casts of the Venus then on display in the 'Antique School' at the Academy.