Venus of Willendorf

 Although Venus of Willendorf was created in 25,000-20,000 BC, themes shown in the sculpture mimic those seen throughout history. The sculpture portrays an overweight woman with large breasts, no facial features and small feet with no ankles. Larger women were seen as a figure of wealth and well being throughout many ancient cultures, as being skinnier may indicate malnutrition and sickness. Smaller feet were also seen as a signal of wealth in ancient China, where the practice of foot binding was popular. It is believed that this statue was a signal of fertility and abundance when it was created, but the themes portrayed may apply to those popular throughout different historical periods.