Community Contributor

Community

Are You Really Aligned with the Birth of Venus? Or Will You Get Something Else?

Picasso To Botticelli: Which Renaissance Piece Are You Based On Your Modern Art Choices

This is one of the most recognisable and referenced paintings. It was created by Sandro Botticelli, who is considered to be the best humanist painter of the early Renaissance. The painting was one of the first to depict the nude figure of the Greek/Roman goddess Venus/Aphrodite. It was also one of the first to portray Greek mythology since the classical era. This painting illustrates the birth and landing onto Cyprus of Venus/Aphrodite, who is the goddess of love, sex, fertility, and passion. She stands on a scallop in the center. To the left the wind god Zephyrus is carrying Aura, the personification of light breeze, while they blow at the deity. The figure to the right is Horae, a minor goddess of spring, who is holding out a cloak for Venus to wear when she lands on shore. Though, the identities of Aura and Horae have been debated.

'The Birth of Venus' by Sandro Botticelli, C. 1484–1486

This is one of the most recognisable and referenced works of the renaissance. It is a fresco painting on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Most of the ceiling illustrates 9 episodes from the book of Genesis. In this one God is depicted as the older man on the right, who is surrounded by 12 figures and a red cloak. Adam is the reclining nude on the left. The most famous part of this piece is God's outstretched arm sparking life through Adam's. Though some imagery and symbolism are unknown, such as who the twelve figures are. Not to mention only recently have people realised the shape of the cloak represents either a human brain or uterus. People have also only just noticed Adam's extra rib, symbolising the birth of Eve as well.

'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo, C. 1508–1512

This is a triptych painting created by Netherlandish artist, Hieronymus Bosch. It is 7 feet tall and 13 feet long, and meticulously detailed. Bosch's life was kept private and the meaning behind this piece is uncertain. Some believe it's as simple as depicting life's pleasures, or just eliciting the joy of sex, while others think it's a warning against temptation. The panel in the middle is where most inquisitions come from. Some think it is an illustration of Paradise Lost. This is a likely conclusion since most triptych's at the time depicted this biblical story. They were read from the left panel to the right, with the left illustrating Eden, the centre being the main subject and the right being the Last Judgement.

'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Hieronymus Bosch, C. 1490-1510

This is a drawing found in Leonardo da Vinci's notes. It is of a nude man in two overlapping poses standing in the centre of an intersecting circle and square. It is the most famous of its kind inspired by the work of classic Roman architect Vitruvius. Da Vinci was inspired by the third volume of Vitruvius' book 'Ten Books of Architecture' in which he discusses body proportions. Stating that if a man has his arms and legs extended, and his navel is the body's centre point to trace a compass around, his fingers and toes would touch the circumference of the circle. Then the length of his body and the width of his outstretched arms create a perfect square. However, in da Vinci's he uses the genitals as the central point.

'Vitruvian Man' by Leonardo da Vinci, C. 1490

This is an oil painting of a nude woman identified with the goddess Venus. Venus was the roman goddess of love, beauty, and sex. The depiction of the woman is likewise very erotic and sensual. She engages with the viewer, particularly through her gaze. Some also think the placement of her hand indicates she is masturbating. Most notably is her pose, known as the reclining nude. It is based on the figure in 'Sleeping Venus' from 1510, of which credit to Giorgione or Titian himself is disputed. Sleeping Venus is the first known reclining nude in western painting, although Venus of Urbino is probably the most well known. Venus of Urbino is unique in itself for its lack of allegory. Many agree it is different for it's time for purely trying to express beauty and pleasure, and nothing more.

'Venus of Urbino' by Titian, C. 1532-1534

The statue of David is the first colossal marble statue made since Classical Antiquity. It is 17 feet tall. It was created by Michelangelo between 1501 to 1504 as part of a series of twelve prophets to be placed on the roofline of the Florence Cathedral. Though it was instead placed in front of the Palazzo della Signoria. The statue is the first to depict David before his battle against the Cyclops Goliath. Therefore instead of expressing triumph it depicts him as tense, concentrated, and alert. Michelangelo uses the angles and stance of the subject's body to depict this. The hidden slingshot over his shoulder also indicates David's cleverness. These details were important as David was a political symbol of the Florentine Republic against rival states and the House of Medici.

'David' by Michelangelo, C. 1501-1504

This is a fresco painting that was commissioned to be painted in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The image depicts a linear perspective of a Greek building in which famous Ancient Greek philosophers, scientists and mathematicians have gathered. The central figure of Plato was modeled after Leonardo da Vinci, who Raphael learned perspective painting from. He also used Leonardo's likeness to represent the era's revival of Ancient Greek culture, which is the main theme of the painting. To him Leonardo's interests in engineering, philosophy, art, anatomy, etc. symbolised this well. This painting is quoted as being "Raphael's masterpiece and the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the Renaissance".

'The School of Athens' by Raphael, C. 1511

This is a fresco created by Giotto di Bondone. It is in the Baroncelli Chapel in Florence. Several other famous artists from that time contributed to the Chapel, but Giotto's polyptych is the most famous piece. The whole structure is rectangular like a tomb. It's 72.8 inches in height and has a 10.5 foot width. Like other Polyptych's this piece has many panels. Its central panel and most important painting is of the coronation of the Virgin Mary. Surrounded are panels of related illustrations, such as the image of Christ.

'Baroncelli Polyptych' by Giotto, C. 1328

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Picasso To Botticelli: Which Renaissance Piece Are You Based On Your Modern Art Choices

Share This Article