Birth of Venus

Date: 1485
Medium: tempera, canvas
Location: Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy
Dimensions: 180 x 280

The Birth of Venus (1485) shows Venus emerging from the sea on the shore in the form of a grown woman. On the left you see the flying figures of Zephyrs (god of the gentle west wind) fanning Venus standing on a sea shell. On the right, one of the daughters of Zeus, the goddess Thalló (collectively the daughters of Zeus are referred to as the Horae), who is about to wrap Venus in a flower mantle, symbolizing the arrival of spring (an allegory of spring). Note that Venus has unnaturally long arms and a sloping left shoulder. There are several other symbols in the painting: the pink rose is a symbol of sexuality and human desire (Venus was also the goddess of flowers). The seashell once referred to the female genitals - a symbol of new beginnings and birth, later shells were a symbol of rebirth and resurrection. The wind god Zephyros and his wife Chloris symbolize spirituality and the union of spirit and matter. The gold in the painting emphasizes the value of the painting and refers to perfection and love.

Botticelli painted picture Birth of Venus in 1485. Prevailing color of this fine art print is vivid and its shape is landscape. Original size is 180 x 280. This art piece is located in Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. This image is printed on demand - you can choose material, size and finishing.

Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510). Also known under the name Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi. Botticelli was an Italian Renaissance painter from the Florentine school. His work belongs to the best in the early Renaissance. Botticelli took his surname allegedly from his brother’s nickname (who was as rotund as a tub – botticelli). His artistic career likely began in the goldsmith’s workshop of his brother Antonio. Botticelli was later entrusted by his family to the care of Filippo Lippi, a renowned painter and knowledgeable monk. As a renowned artist, Botticelli gained friends and benefactors from the most important Florentine families. He worked mainly for the Medici family. In 1481, together with another major Florentine painter, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Botticelli was summoned to Rome to participate in the decoration of the Sistine Chapel. In 1491, they were both appointed to a jury that was to decide on the contract for the construction of the facade of Florence cathedral. At the end of his life, he evidently worked under the influence of Savonarol’s fiery sermons, exclusively painting Christian themes. Among his most famous works are The Birth of Venus and Spring (Primavera) . Botticelli never married – he reportedly struggled with unrequited love for Simonet Vespucci, who was to be the model for his Venus. As his dying wish, he desired to be buried at her feet. His wish was fulfilled.