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Did you know?
Story behind Primavera
Primavera was painted by Sandro Botticelli in the late 1470s or early 1480s, commissioned by the influential Medici family. The painting depicts a mythological scene of springtime renewal and fertility, symbolizing the harmony between nature and humanity. It comprises an assemblage of somewhat unrelated characters, including Venus, Cupid, Zephyr, Chloris and Mercury, all coming together to signify the coming of spring. Primavera and its sister painting The Birth of Venus, have become two of the most iconic images of the Renaissance.
Who created Primavera?
Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, known for his lithe figures and use of mythological themes. His work is characterized by its delicate lines, harmonious compositions, and vibrant colors. He was also among the earliest painters in Florence to use egg yolk in tempera, to create a sheen and make the paint more transparent. Botticelli's influence on the Renaissance and his legacy as a master of mythological painting continue to inspire artists and art lovers today.
What makes Primavera a masterpiece? See for yourself
- Iconic full view: Primavera captures the beauty and complexity of springtime renewal, and is located in the Botticelli room at Uffizi.
- Focus on specific features: Venus here exhudes main character energy — her position is slightly elevated from the rest and she is framed by slender trees. Pay attention the Three Graces beside Mercury; the rendering of their gossamer fabric is a testament to Botticelli's virtuosity.
- Technical close up: Botticelli's use of skin-toned colours like ochre and beige is trademark to his style. He also relied on depicting his figures as tall and slim, a trend that was famous back then.
- Symbolism and interpretation: Set in an orange orchard, the painting represents the arrival of spring. It is replete with its themes of renewal and the changing of seasons, as is evidenced by Flora shaking flowers off her dress. The presence of the Three Graces further adds to the element of romance in the air.
- Lighting/material magic: The painting, on the whole, creates a sense of lightness and grace. Botticelli's use of contrasting yet harmonious colour — the darkness of the background vs the brightness of the orange hues makes the painting stand out and command attention.
Frequently asked questions about Primavera
Is Primavera included in the Uffizi Gallery ticket?
Yes, it is included with a standard Uffizi Gallery ticket.
What is Primavera's claim to fame?
Botticelli's expression of 'Neoplatonicism', or the idea that the earthly must aspire to meet the divine, is at play in this painting. The art work is also secular in focus, departing from the religious themes that otherwise occupied the discourse of the time. Further, his use of vivid colour and skilled brushstrokes make the painting arresting.
Where was Primavera before it arrived at the gallery?
Primavera was commissioned by the Medici family and was placed in the villa Castello before it came to the Uffizi Gallery in 1919.
What material is Primavera painted on?
Unlike his contemporaries who used wooden panels for paintings, Botticelli used canvas to paint his famous creations, including Primavera. Canvas was also cheaper than wood.
