Video: "Spring" by Sandro Botticelli: the hidden meaning of a Renaissance masterpiece
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
The Renaissance gave mankind canvases of incredible beauty. Moreover, many of them contain hidden symbols and meanings. One of these masterpieces is "Spring" Sandro Botticelli … There is much more hidden in this beautiful picture than it seems. Some of the symbols and allegories of this amazing canvas will be discussed in this review.
Sandro Botticelli wrote Spring (Primavera) commissioned by Lorenzo Medici. The painting was supposed to be his wedding gift for another of this noble family - the second cousin of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco. The picture became not just an image of one of the favorite mythological subjects at that time, but a philosophical parting word to a future marriage. Almost all elements of "Spring" contain symbols or allegories of one kind or another.
Venus is depicted in the very center of the painting in an orange grove (it was this tree that was the symbol of the Medici family). But this is not a brilliant and fatal goddess, but a modest married woman (which can be understood by her veil). Her right hand is raised in a blessing gesture. When Botticelli passed on his creation to Lorenzo, he focused on the figure of Venus. If he manages to marry such a noble goddess, then his life will be voluptuous and happy.
Three Graces personify the female virtues: Chastity, Beauty and Pleasure. Pearls on their heads symbolize purity. Graces seem to be in one round dance, but their movements are separated. Chastity and Beauty are depicted in the front, and Pleasure is depicted in the back, and her attention is riveted to Mercury.
Mercury in mythology personified reason and eloquence. In ancient Rome, the month of May was dedicated to him, named after the mother of the nymph deity Maya. In addition, the wedding of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco was scheduled for this very month.
In order to depict Spring, Botticelli presented three figures. This was a reference to the myth of how the spring wind Zephyr fell in love with the nymph Chloris and thereby turned her into the goddess of flowering Spring. Periwinkle (symbol of fidelity) flies from Chloris's mouth, which becomes a continuation of the next figure. So the artist showed the transformation of a nymph into a goddess. In addition, this composition has become a symbol of the first spring month.
Spring (Flora) appeared in the picture as a young maiden in a dress decorated with flowers. Speaking slowly, she scatters roses (as they did at weddings). The flowers on the dress were also not chosen by chance. Cornflowers are a symbol of friendliness, buttercups are wealth, chamomile is loyalty, and strawberries are tenderness.
Above the head of Venus, her son Cupid is depicted aiming at one of the Graces. His eyes are blindfolded - love is blind. According to one version, Sandro Botticelli portrayed himself in the image of Cupid.
For those who like to look for hidden meaning, they will surely like it. 7 amazing and imperceptible at first glance features of the masterpieces of world painting.
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