The Birth of Venus was painted by Sandro Botticelli in the mid-1480s, commissioned by the influential Medici family. The painting depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, symbolizing not only beauty and love, but also the birth of order from chaos. Botticelli's use of mythological themes and idealized beauty celebrates the harmony between the divine and human. A popular theory in the art world is that Botticelli's muse was his next-door neighbour Simonetta Cattaneo, a noblewoman who inspired his Venus.
Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, known for his graceful figures and use of mythological themes. His work is characterized by its delicate lines, harmonious compositions, and vibrant colors. The Birth of Venus, one of his most famous paintings, exemplifies his ability to convey beauty and emotion through his art. Botticelli's influence on the Renaissance and his legacy as a master of mythological painting continue to inspire artists and art lovers today.
Yes, it is included with a standard Uffizi Gallery ticket.
It is displayed in the Botticelli Room at the Uffizi Gallery.
The two figures to the left of Venus depict the winds Zephyr and Aura, who are blowing Venus to the shore. To her right is Flora, the goddess of Spring, symoblising arrival, birth and the renewal of life.
Many people assume that the Birth of Venus painting was inspired by Simonetta Cattaneo, a noblewoman who lived about 200m away from Botticelli. Interestingly, his tomb is at the foot of her tomb at the All Saints Church in Florence.
Yes, photography is allowed without flash.