Boticelli: Primavera

"Primavera" c.1482, Tempera on panel. Uffizi, Florence.

Sandro Boticelli's "Primavera" also known as "Allegory of Spring", possesses many mythical symbols. Taking center stage  in the orange grove is Venus the Goddess of Love, to her left is the Spring Goddess Flora, and beside her is Chloris being pursued by the wind God, Zephyr. Boticelli cleverly painted a vine with blooms at the corner of Chloris mouth to signify her transformation into Flora.  

Above Venus flies Amor and to her right are the Three Graces. The rendering of these three female figures are superbly done by Boticelli. The Graces seem to move and dance as they interlock fingers and raise their arms over their heads; their silk dresses cascade beautifully. Mercury is standing next to the Three Graces, expecting the oranges and protecting the scene of merriment. 

There are still countless theories as to what Boticelli's "Primavera" is truly about. One thing is certain...It is one of the most celebrated paintings of the Italian Renaissance.