"Primavera"

Paper Summary:

"Primavera" by Botticelli - intriguing because of its portrayal of a mythological scene, beautiful because of its master's dedication - is without a doubt a masterpiece. The importance of the painting in its time period and Botticelli's scrutinizing attention to detail make the "Primavera" a truly remarkable work. This paper takes a close look at at the painting. It discusses the 500 different types of plants identified in the painting and their association to mythological figures. The paper also looks at the reason why "Primavera" is considered a painting which is not typical of its time.

From the Paper:

"Due to its representation of mythological figures and scenes, it might be initially difficult to discern the time period of the Primavera. Executed in a time of paintings of saints and countless reproductions of Madonna and Child scenes, the Primavera definitely stands out, and appears out of keeping with contemporary visions. The clues to its time period are subtle. Venus is clothed in heavy, colorful robes, and the hair of the Graces are beaded with pearls, both styles of dress unique to the Early Renaissance. Also typical of the Early Renaissance is the attempt to achieve "anatomically correct, but idealized figures perfected generic types" (Stokstad 643). The full return to Classical proportions had not yet occurred, but the artists of Botticelli's time were looking toward an ideal in human anatomy, and this can be seen upon close examination of the female figures in the painting. From the Graces to Chloris, all six females in the work have generally the same body type, if not exactly the same, and their faces also hold relatively the same features."

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• Essay # 71029 : "Botticelli: A Neoplatonist"

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