2,000 years old Venus had red lips, golden hair

Florence: The Medici Venus, a 2,000 years old life-sized marble representation of the mythical goddess associated with beauty, love and fertility, once had red lips, ear lobe holes for precious earrings and hair laminated with gold, according to the results of study of the statue. The iconic 1st century BC work was studied during a three-year restoration project of the Venus and other pieces in the Uffizi Gallery Tribunal sponsored the Friend of Florence foundation. The marble goddess` golden hair was still visible to 18th century visitors to the Uffizi, according to written accounts, but the recent studies brought to light fresh evidence -- also about her red lips and ear holes. IANS