Willendorf (Venus of Willendorf)

The Venus of Willendorf is a small, prehistoric sculpture believed to have been created around 28,000 to 25,000 BCE. Discovered in Willendorf, Austria, this figure depicts a female with exaggerated features, such as large breasts and hips, suggesting a focus on fertility and femininity. Made from limestone and originally colored with red ochre, it stands about 4.4 inches tall. Scholars interpret it as a symbol of fertility, beauty, or motherhood, reflecting the values and beliefs of early human societies. The sculpture is significant in understanding human artistic expression and the representation of women in prehistoric culture.