Botticelli

Florentine painter

1445 – 1510

Boticelli is known for modernizing art. His best works include, The Birth of Venus, La Primavera, and Calumny. Much recognition for Boticelli is more recent than some might think. Boticelli’s talent went undiscovered for centuries until during the 19th century of group called Pre-Raphaelites brought Boticelli’s work back the light. (Found on first day)

The Calumny of Apelles Sandro Botticelli c. 1494-1495 Tempera on panel 62 x 91 cm Uffizi, Florence 

The Calumny of Apelles: Calumny is a painting that stands for more than what first might appear. Each character represents a different feeling. There is Ignorance, Suspicion, Calumny, Hatred, Envy, Fraud, Penitence, and finally Truth who is shameful and modest. The figure who is painted most beautiful is Calumny. She is the woman who is dragging the girl by the hair. The King on the throne is surround by two women, Ignorance and Suspicion. The woman withdrawn from the crowd in black is Penitence. Finally the nude woman in the very back is truth, the bare truth. She is pointing to the Heavens as a sign of the greater judgment that will be held. (found: wikipedia)

I chose this image because of its compelling features that causes you to look at more closely at every aspect of the painting. I find is very fascinating that the artist chose to take his work to the next level by giving each character feeling not only by emotional aspects on their face but by their names. 

The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, c. 1482-1486; tempera on canvas, 172.5 cm x 278.5cm, Uffizi, Florence 

The Birth of Venus: Venus is shown coming out of the sea in a shell blown by Zephrys. This painting is very unusual for this time period because it is very pagan. Most painting were Roman Catholic. This painting is also very interesting because it was one pagan piece that was not burned in the bonfires held at that time for anything not relating to the church. This image is very popular even to day and is reproduced in modern culture.   (found: Wikipedia)

I chose this picture because of its recognizable figures. For me this is the picture I have seen the most by Botticelli. I love the way Botticelli made the shell like a boat for Venus.