The Birth of Venus ~ Botticelli

Location : Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
Year : 1484-90 Tempera on Canvas 172.5 x 278.5 cm
Botticelli was born as Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi in Florence in 1445. The Birth of Venus was painted for the villa of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de' Medici at Castello and is documented at the half of the 16th century, as well as two other masterworks by Botticelli, the Primavera and Pallas and the Centaur (both at the Uffizi). The scene represents Venus, born of the sea, being sped by Zephir towards land, where an Hour is ready to cover her with a beautiful cloack. This mythological subject was very important in Renaissance literature and philosopy, so the scene can hint different allegorical means. Botticelli's Venus is so beautiful that we do not notice the unnatural length of her neck, the steep fall of her shoulders and the queer way her left arm is hinged to the body. Or, rather, we should say that these liberties which Botticelli took with nature in order to achieve a graceful outline add to the beauty and harmony of the design because they enhance the impression of an infinitely tender and delicate being, wafted to our shores as a gift from Heaven. The canvas, dating around 1485, certainly reflects the presence of Botticelli among the Florentine humanistic circle and his study on classical sculpture, since this celebrated Venus recalls many ancient statues of the goddess. It was restored in 1987. Larger view