#History of the World, Part 1 or 2?

If you have a sense of humor about the battle of the sexes, you might find this photo hilarious. 

I call it "The History of the World, Part 2" or "Around the Corner from Aphrodite" as it's near Aphrodite / Venus de Milo  sculpture at The Louvre, in Paris. In the Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities Collection. 

From my women's studies (ok, from a book I read by Gloria Steinem) I learned that early cultures were matriarchal cultures - so the matriarchy would be History of the World Part 1 - then patriarchal cultures - History of the World Part 2 - and soon - what? Metrosexual Culture - History of the World Part 3?? I don't know - but I can't wait to see how it all continues! 

If you don't have a sense of humour, you'll want to know that this sculpture used to have another element to it - and that element was a large basin (if I remember correctly) that lay atop the shoulders of the men. And so their original stance was one of strength and service.  Most likely they were slaves (sigh) but my notes are buried, so in this quick and easy version, that's what I'm writing. 

The loss of the original top element has provided current generations with some laughs. :-)  

If you have more accurate information, please share it in the comments!  I promise my art history degree is on my list.