Primavera, Allegory of Spring
Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli
Botticellli's Primavera is one of the most famous and controversial paintings in the western world. It was commissioned by the Medici's in 1477. Primavera is basically an allegory for spring showing a group of mythological figures doing things in a lush orange grove. It's a complex composition which gives the art critics something to sink their teeth into, so opinions differ on what else it "means." But here's an interesting fact: there are over 500 identified plant species and 190 individual flowers in the painting.The mythological figures in the painting are Venus, Zephyrus, Flora, Primavera, Mercury and the Three Graces. Details from the painting have have been reproduced on everything from tea trays (I still have one) to posters and mugs.
The Three Graces, detail
Zephyrus and Flora, detailZephyr is the west wind, and Flora is associated with new growth. Flowers spring from her mouth as she comes in contact with the wind god. Why is her hair is blowing in a different direction from his?
Primavera, detailBotticelli loved to paint beautiful women, and he had several favorite models he used frequently.
The painting's tempura colors have darkened over time, although it was cleaned and restored in 1982. We saw it in Florence in the late 70's, and all I remember is a big murky painting in an empty dim room. Nothing like the colorful reproductions in my art history textbook. Afterward, I went outside and bought a souvenir tray and some prints from a sidewalk vendor. Those were the days of carefree European travel, when tourists could just stroll in the Uffizi Gallery whenever they felt like it. Now (according to Rick Steves) you need a reservation and a timed entrance ticket to see great works of art.It's the first full weekend of spring, and in Seattle more rain is on the way. That should make Flora happy.
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