Early Renaissance

This painting was done by one of the most famous early Renaissance painters of all time, Sandro Botticelli. The work is believed to have been commissioned by the Medici family, one of the most influential and wealthy families at the time. The painting symbolizes springtime, and it depicts Venus, the goddess of love, and other women dancing and frolicking in a garden. The three woman in white on the left are called Graces, and they are Venus’ female companions. This painting was quite controversial at the time. In an era that was predominantly Christian, here was a very overt painting featuring a pagan goddess along with mythological symbolism. I don’t think it helps that the women are scantily clad, with draping, almost see-through gowns that seem so be falling off. I also think this painting is significant because although Botticelli’s depictions go against the mainstream view of religion and women during his time period, he certainly took a risk and created a lovely and interesting piece that has since been analyzed and admired by many. Also, I think his way of depicting his subjects’ curvature is refreshing after viewing so much art featuring strangely unnatural bodies and straight lines.