Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)

The Birth of Venus

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Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Abstract

The action of the picture is quickly understood. Venus has emerged from the sea on a shell which is driven to the shore by flying wind-gods amidst a shower of roses. As she is about to step on to the land, one of the Hours or Nymphs receives her with a purple cloak. Botticelli's Venus is so beautiful that we do not notice the unnatural length of her neck, the steep fall of her shoulders and the queer way her left arm is hinged to the body. Or, rather, we should say that these liberties which Botticelli took with nature in order to achieve a graceful outline add to the beauty and harmony of the design because they enhance the impression of an infinitely gender and delicate being, wafted to our shores as a gift from Heaven.

Keywords

Florence, Italy, Castello, Italy, Style: Italian Early Renaissance, Group: Early Renaissance, Movement: Renaissance, Florentine, Painting;, Painting

Geographic Location

Florence, Italy; Castello, Italy

Time Period

Ca. 1482

Type

StillImage

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Paintings; Pictures

Holding Location

University of South Florida

Identifier

A01-LIF0930

The Birth of Venus

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