Sandro Botticelli THE BIRTH OF VENUS

Who was Botticelli? He was an italian painter of the early renaissance born in Florence, and he was already an apprentice when he was fourteen years old, meaning he probably had more education than most other painters during that time. His most well-known masterpieces are The Birth of Venus and Primavera.

The Birth of Venus The painting depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea as an adult woman arriving at the shore. Some historians believe that in this painting, Venus has two aspects. She is a goddess that arouses people both on physical but also on an intellectual level. In the painting, it is clearly visible that it is a fantasy, based on many small details. First of all, the stance of Venus would be impossible to accomplish in reality, as her weight is shifted too far to one side. Other details include elongated neck, no shadows etc.

It is believed that Sandro Botticelli had unrequited love for Simonetta Vespucci, which could be the reason why he loathed marriage. Interestingly enough, it is suggested that she was the model for Venus and it can be seen that she recurs throughout his later paintings even after her death. He then wished that he be buried at her feet once he dies. His wish was eventually carried out.

Comparison of two portraits by S. Botticelli On the left is a Portrait of a Young Woman On the right is a portrait of Simonetta Vespucci

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