Primavera

Primavera, by Sandro Botticelli, is undoubtedly one of the most famous masterpieces worldwide. It has been described as "one of the most written about, and most controversial paintings in the world," and also "one of the most popular paintings in Western art." All this is true. It depicts a group of figures from classical mythology in a garden, but why these figures are grouped together is not known. Maybe it's an allegory based on the lush growth of Spring, maybe the scene involves the Renaissance Neoplatonism—probably, we will never know. For sure, the painting is a celebration of love, peace, and prosperity.

Who do we see on the painting? In the foreground, to the right, Zephyrus embraces a nymph named Chloris before taking her; she is then portrayed after her transformation into Flora, the Spring goddess. The center of the painting is dominated by the goddess of love and beauty, Venus, chastely dressed and set slightly back from the others, and by a blindfolded Cupid, firing his arrow of love. On the left, the three Graces, minor goddesses with virtues like those of Venus, are shown dancing in a circle. The composition is closed by Mercury, messenger of the Gods, recognizable from his helmet and winged sandals, as he touches a cloud with his staff.

Happy Spring! :)

P.S. Learn 7 new things about this masterpiece you certainly didn't know before! 

P.P.S. Have you seen our latest online course, "Art In Renaissance Florence"? No? Please check it out here, you will love it!