Sandro Botticello, Primavera. ca. 1482. Tempura on wood, 6'8" X 10'4".
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Primavera (Spring)

Out of all the works that we have looked at so far, this is one of my favorite pieces. I love how the transparent garments flow around the Three Graces to the center/left, as well as on the nymph Chloris (who is later transformed into Flora, goddess of spring) on the right. These see-through garments show the shape of each figures body, which I feel is very different from the usual, baggy clothing we have observed in previous paintings.

My eye is immediately drawn to Venus (center). Botticello drew attention to Venus, the goddess of love, by opening the landscape behind her to reveal a portion of sky that forms a kind of halo around her head. Also, her red draped garments immediately catch my attention.

I love the story that this painting tells, as well as the meaning behind it. Several aspects in the painting suggest the occasion for the painting was Lorenzo's wedding in May 1482. However, the painting also depicts the Neo-Platonists' view that earthly love is compatible with Christian theology.