The "Venus of Willendorf" is an amazing and fascinating sculpture. I believe that this work of art signifies the importance, respect and influence of women in the Paleolithic Era. It is not a coincidence that many other pieces from that time are similar to the "Venus of Willendorf,” signifying the admiration of this particular corpulent female form. I also do not believe that it is a coincidence that these figurines far outnumber the images of men of that time. Whether this “Venus” was a fertility idol, a representation of an actual woman or a portrayal of an “Earth Mother,” I believe that it signifies the prominence of women of that time.
This “Venus” is not the Venus that many conjure up in our minds when we think of the term. I think of the slender goddess of love and beauty as depicted in other works of art many years later, such as the modest Capitoline Venus, as seen and written about in Witcombe’s article. Men used the name “Venus” in a sarcastic way to describe these early figurines because they believed they were not modest, tasteful or civilized in the male dominated society of their time. The "Venus of Willendorf" is not modest and shows all of her beauty, unashamed. She does not try to cover up anything and actually seems to be flaunting her sexuality with her arms over her breasts not attempting to conceal herself at all, she is proud of her body.
I can understand why some think that the "Venus of Willendorf" was a fertility idol. The detail that went into the creation of the piece, especially the genital area, along with the large breasts and corpulent stomach would seem to indicate sexuality and pro creativity. I know that many believe that this figurine is not pregnant but in fact fat, I do not know if that is the correct interpretation. She is very large, but that could be due to the fact that she is with child and the members of her clan allow her to rest while they hunt and gather for her. It would also be good of the clan as a whole to allow her to have no complications with the pregnancy so that the clan can continue to grow.
If this were an actual representation of a woman of that time, it would demonstrate the women’s considerable importance at that time. As hunters and gatherers it would suggest that she was indeed “catered” to by others. Perhaps she was the leader of their society and was of great importance to the group in this matriarchal period of time.
The "Venus of Willendorf" and other similar figurines of that time could also represent a female deity an Earth Mother or Mother Goddess as Witcombe references. Mother Earth is a term I have heard as long as I can remember. Is it possible that it started with this “Venus”? With the figure being over 20,000 years old, it is doubtful, but possible. But I believe that it is definitely possible that this was a depiction of their Earth Mother and an idol used for worshiping.
I doubt that we will ever find out exactly what the "Venus of Willendorf" signifies or depicts, but isn’t that what art is about, the unknown? We will continue to talk about this indefinitely because of the unknown and beauty of the figurine. Whatever it signifies, I believe that it demonstrates the deep respect and influence, if not power, of the women of that time.
