Art Analysis: The Birth of Venus
The Birth of Venus , created somewhere between 1483 and 1485 by Sandro Botticelli, is as beautiful as it is shrouded in mystery. The intended recipient and display are lost to time, with the only information of it that remains being the artist's name and the location, Florence, Italy. Even more perplexing is it's existence in the first place; Italy was heavily religious, and nudity in art was frowned upon. When it was used, it was usually for biblical depictions, and almost always in a manner of shame; Adam and Eve being cast out from Eden, or sinners being dragged to hell. In Botticelli's painting, however, nudity, particularly female nudity, is portrayed as something elegant and natural, with the goddess Venus in a relaxed pose. Personally, I really enjoy this painting, even more so with the knowledge it was one of the rare works of art that depicted paganism rather than a biblical figure. The use of tone to depict the softness of Venus's form is rather impressive, ...