The primavera by Botticelli is an allegorical painting made with tempera on wood panel between 1478 and 1482, period of the First Renaissance. It depicts a group of characters from classical mythology in a flower garden, but no story has been found to bring together this particular group. It is considered one of the most famous and controversial works in the history of art.
Historical context of the work
The primavera is part of the mythological paintings made by Botticelli for the Medici family, the powerful patrons who dominated the political and cultural life of Florence. It was first described as Primavera by the art historian Giorgio Vasari who saw it at the Villa Castello, just outside Florence, in 1550.
The origin and patron of the painting are not known with certainty. It is possible that it was commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici, the cousin of the famous Lorenzo the Magnificent, as a gift for his marriage with Semiramide Appiani in 1482. It is also possible that it was intended for the Villa Medicea di Careggi, where the Neoplatonic Academy founded by Marsilio Ficino met.
The painting is inspired by several literary sources from classical and Renaissance times, notably the works of the Roman poet Ovid and the philosopher Lucretius. It could also allude to a poem by Angelo Poliziano, the poet of the Medici house who may have helped Botticelli to design the composition.
Since 1919, the painting is part of the collections of the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy.
Analysis of the painting
The primavera is a painting of 203 x 314 cm. It depicts a group of nine characters in a green and flowery garden. The movement of the composition is from right to left, according to the usual order of identification of the figures :
• On the far right, Zephyr, the wind of spring, abducts and possesses Chloris, whom he later marries and transforms into a goddess; she becomes Flora, the goddess of spring and flowers, who spreads roses on the ground.
• In the center and slightly behind compared to other figures stands Venus, woman draped in red and blue. Like flower picker, she returns gaze spectator. Trees behind her form broken arch that attracts eye.
• Above Venus, Cupid flies blindfolded and shoots an arrow towards three Graces who stand to his left. They are Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Joy) and Thalia (Blossom), who symbolize gifts beauty, love pleasure.
• On far left, Mercury, messenger gods, chases clouds with his caduceus. He wears winged helmet and winged sandals. He represents reason knowledge.
The composition of painting is based on geometric and numerical harmony . Characters are arranged according horizontal vertical lines that create visual balance. Figures are also distributed according symbolic numbers : three Graces (perfect number), four elements (cosmic number), five senses (human number) and nine whole (divine number).
Botticelli uses technique tempera, which consists painting with pigments mixed with organic binder (egg or glue). He creates thus effects transparency brightness that contrast with dark colors background. He also takes care details clothes, jewels flowers, which testify great technical skill.
Interpretation
The primavera is poetic mysterious work that raises many interpretations . Most critics agree that it is allegory based on lush growth spring , but explanations its precise meaning vary according cultural philosophical references used .
A common interpretation is one that refers to neoplatonism Renaissance that fascinated then intellectual circles Florentine. According this reading , painting would represent triumph love over chaos harmony between earthly world heavenly world . Venus would symbol universal love that orders everything ; Cupid would son who inspires human love ; Graces would servants who dispense benefits ; Flora would messenger who announces arrival ; Zephyr would agent who renews nature ; Mercury would protector who wards off bad omens .
Another possible interpretation is one that is based on classical literary sources and ancient myths. According this reading , painting would represent scene taken from Fasti Ovid or De rerum natura Lucretius . Venus would symbol spring that follows winter ; Cupid would accomplice who provokes desire ; Graces would companions who celebrate feast ; Flora would daughter born rape Chloris by Zephyr ; Zephyr would lover who offers flowers ; Mercury would brother who presides over trade exchanges .
Other interpretations have been proposed over time : wedding scene related marriage patron ; astrological scene related positions planets ; political scene related ambitions Medici ; esoteric scene related secrets initiates .
The primavera is thus complex fascinating work that invites contemplation reflection. It is also emblematic work Italian Renaissance that testifies artistic cultural talent Botticelli.
