French school; 19th century

French school of the 19th century.
"Athena and Venus".
Carved wood.
It presents restorations and damages caused by xylophagous.
It has a frame from a later period.
Measurements: 136 x 38 x 6 cm.
Relief carved in wood which, due to its dimensions and structure, would have formed part of a larger ornamental complex. It was probably originally part of the decoration of an architectural space, perhaps as the upper part of an opening, or even as decoration on a plinth. The piece shows careful carving, as it combines different degrees of depth in the carving, highlighting the high relief of the main figures and a low relief for the minor details that make up the background. In a landscape format, the artist depicts a landscape following the models of classical antiquity in both subject matter and style. He uses a frieze-like composition with a symmetrical conception. In the centre, a large shield with the head of Medusa supports two goddesses. On the right Venus, with a mirror in her hand indicating her beauty and a laurel wreath in the other hand, while on the left the helmet and spear indicate the goddess Athena. Behind her, children hold laurel wreaths, while in the area of Venus a little love child is drawing water from a well.