The Birth Of Venus
Essay Preview: The Birth Of Venus
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The Birth of Venus was created on canvas with the use of
tempera paint. Botticelli would hand grind a material that changes according
to the light that it reflects, also known as pigment. The powdered pigments
are traditionally mixed with egg yolk which dries quickly and stays firmly in
place (Saitzyk, 245). During the Renaissance, fabric such as canvas were
used instead of the popular wooden panel. As tempera is a durable paint,
canvas is a durable fabric made of flax or cotton. In addition to painting,
canvas is used to make items such as sails and tents which require stability
and resilience (Saitzyk, 135).
Alessandro FilippiÐs, also known as Sandro Botticellis, youth
remains a historical mystery. A common story is that he was in poor health
through his early childhood and then went on to be trained as a goldsmith
until his twenties when he began to paint. We do know, however, that
Botticelli apprenticed in the workshop of an artist by the name of Filippo Lippi.
In 1467, he was left by his master in Florence and apparently joined artistic
careers with Verrocchio (Angelis, 3). After returning to his family for a short
period of time, as indicated by tax records, Botticelli continued his career with
the support of the Medici family, one of the most powerful families in
Florence, Italy. He left Florence in 1480 to help decorate the Sistine Chapel in Rome with some of his art which only the most famous painters of that time were invited to do. In 1482, Botticelli returned to Florence and shortly after painted the Birth of Venus (Angelis, 4).
PART III – ANALYSIS OF THE SITE AND ART OBJECT
Even though I would love to visit and view the Birth of Venus in
person, it is located in the Uffizi Gallery in Italy which makes it difficult.
However, the Uffizi Gallery has constructed a virtual gallery which allows
individuals like myself to view the masterpieces it holds from afar. I
actually did not find the gallery first, I didnt even know where the Birth of
Venus was located until searching online. Therefore, I chose this painting first
and then went on a web search for its home. The Uffizi Gallery website
consists of a complete catalogue of the pieces it holds which can be searched
for alphabetically or by artist. The site is very easily navigated by a first time
visitor and even has directions on how to go about navigating through the
site. Also, as opposed to other sites, once you click on the pieces title you
are given a good amount of information on the piece and a complete image.
Overall, the site was a good source of information and a simple guide to
the actual gallery.
The story of Venuss birth in roman mythology is exactly what I
see in Botticellis painting. There are several stories of her birth, but the one
that I was told was that of the battle between Uranus and his son. During the
battle, Uranus was castrated and his genitals had fallen into the sea. From
the waves, Venus was born, blown to shore by the wind God Zephyr and
clothed by the goddess of the Seasons. This painting depicts that allegorical
content and it also symbolizes the birth of beauty and love. There is a calm
elegance of Venuss movement as she is blown to shore with her masses of
hair entangling her. This painting seems to shut out everything, but beauty.
The curves of the lines shape Venuss body to contribute to her supple beauty
while the horizontal and vertical lines of the sea and the trees add depth to
the painting.
The color and light of the Birth of Venus aid the most in showing
her beauty and telling the paintings story. Most of the painting is engulfed in
light which gives off a light mood. The corners of the painting a more dark
and shadowed which diverts the viewers focus to Venus in the center. The
light allows the viewer to focus on the symbol of beauty more that her
surroundings. The bright colors that are used also give off a calm and
tranquil mood and direct focus. Venuss skin is painted brightly and more
white than the other people next to her to show her purity and beauty. The
painting also emits a sense of movement. The hints of white