BOTTICELLI, Sandro
(b. 1445, Firenze, d. 1510, Firenze)

The Birth of Venus (detail)

c. 1485
Tempera on canvas
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

The high modelling of the white shimmering flesh colour gives Venus the appearance of a statue. Botticelli has gone over the contours with a black line, causing them to stand out sharply from the surface of the picture and lending them a curious coldness and clarity.

The subject of the painting, which celebrates Venus as symbol of love and beauty, was perhaps suggested by the poet Agnolo Poliziano.