Renaissance Blog Primavera

 

Primavera Sandro Botticelli created in 1480s

Sandro Botticelli is one of the more well-known artists from the Renaissance. He was the first of his time to make large scale mythology pieces, such as the one above. ("Primavera By Sandro Botticelli") This specific piece was commissioned by the Medici Family whom Sandro was very close with; he was welcomed freely within their home, anytime. (Ann) It is said that this piece was hung in the bedroom of a bride who married into the Medici family. The exact details of this piece are unclear, though it is believed to have been made between 1477 and 1482. The original title of this piece is also a mystery, it was first called La Primavera by another artist, once viewed almost 70 years after it was created. ("Spring Mysteries: Botticelli's Primavera - Artstor") Another symbol frequently used or connected to art work commissioned for the Medici family is orange trees. Though here it is also supposed to play a role of symbolism, of the blessing of marriage - once united it is fruitful, where you can see once the two on the right were married, the fruit began to grow. Orange trees are also linked to the Medici as they adopted orange trees as their family symbol.("Spring Mysteries: Botticelli's Primavera - Artstor")

This piece of art combines lots of art elements, from variety of color, tone, shadows, texture of the clothing. I think the main emotion this piece of art incites is awe, and curiosity. To most it is fascinating how detailed and magical art from this time period is, and this piece makes me feel that way as well. It also creates curiosity as the intended meaning of this piece is somewhat of a mystery, and has continued to be speculated for debate. The main backstory to this piece, agreed upon widely, is it displays 9 creatures from mythology text. The piece is often thought to be centering on the Roman goddess, Venus - known for caring and protecting the institution of marriage.("Primavera By Sandro Botticelli") This is where the theme of marriage, love, and fertility. While this piece is stunning, I personally wouldn't want it decorating my home, but I would enjoy it at my workplace. 

References

"Primavera By Sandro Botticelli". Historylink101.Com, 2022, https://www.historylink101.com/art/Sandro_Botticelli/pages/09_Primavera_jpg.htm.

"Sandro Botticelli - Secular Patronage And Works". Encyclopedia Britannica, 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sandro-Botticelli/Secular-patronage-and-works.

"Spring Mysteries: Botticelli's Primavera - Artstor". Artstor, 2022, https://www.artstor.org/2013/03/20/spring-mysteries-botticellis-primavera/#:~:text=Primavera%20depicts%20a%20group%20of%20figures%20in%20an,winter%20with%20his%20staff%20for%20spring%20to%20come.

Ann, Liberty. "The Incredible Influence Of The Medici Family On Art". Medium, 2020, https://historyofyesterday.com/the-incredible-influence-of-the-medici-family-on-art-100615e918fd.