A (quick) Look at Botticelli's Primavera

Primavera

Sandro Botticelli

ca. 1482

Tempra on panel

80in x 124in

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This work is one of my favorite paintings and one of the most popular paintings in the world. This work is also one of the most discussed because its meaning is not exactly known. The work was commissioned by the Medici family (a wealthy influential family in Renaissance Italy). There are nine figures total in the painting which each seem to be engaged in activities. 

Mercury
Messenger god

Flora
Goddess of spring/flowers

Chloris and Zephyrus
Goddess of flowers & god of the west wind

The Three Graces
Goddesses of charm/beauty/

Venus and a blind folded putto
Goddess of love/beauty and one of her henchmen

Mercury is stirring up the wind with his caduceus (staff). The wind appears to be from Zephyrus. I have heard that this painting should also be seen as a cylinder with its ends connected together, so this would be connected. Zephyrus is trying to get Chloris who has flowers coming out of her mouth and entwining with Flora. The Three Graces dance in a circle with a blind putto (naked angel baby) flying above blinding trying to shoot an arrow of love. And there stands Venus in the center of all.

Most can agree that this work depicts mythological figures in the midst of spring (primavera = spring), but what cannot be agreed upon is what this work actually means. I agree with those who depict the work as being about love. Spring is usually is associated with love and fertility. 

What I find most interesting about this painting are the strange sac-shaped leave and sky in the background. They look like lungs. Like Venus is the heart. Love is at the center of life. 

Regardless of its meaning, the painting is beautiful. 

Enjoy

-VB

(images are not mine)