Her gown is adorned with flowers and Chloris, a nymph, appears to be bringing her more flowers to be put on her dress. Chloris, however, appears to be distracted by Zephyr, the west wind. Zephyr is ice blue. His magnificent wings are spread and he appears to be ready to snatch Chloris away. I especially like the dark, mysterious forest in the background of this painting. I feel it adds to the mystical quality of this painting.
Botticelli's Mars and Venus is a very erotic piece of art. It is said to probably have been painted to decorate a bed. Somehow it seems to be very appropriate. The painting has many pesky looking little creatures in it, in one book they were referred to as "fauns." The fauns are playing with the sword of Mar's and one has on his helmet. One faun is about to awaken the sleeping Mars by blowing into a seashell directly in his ear. The painting is erotic, yet has a tone of merriment. The figures, Mars and Venus, appear languid and relaxed. Mars and Venus is tempera on a wood panel and it can be found in the National Gallery in London.
Botticelli did not only paint mythologies, although they are said to be his most famous, and clearly my favorite. As all Renaissance artists, Botticelli did his share of religious works. My personal favorite is Madonna of the Magificat. This piece can be found at the Uffizi in Florence. The painting takes it's name from the Latin hymn know as the Magnificat, in which the Virgin is writing in the book: "And Mary said My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord" (Luke 1, 46) (Renaissance128). This painting is truly a magnificent portrayal of the Virgin and Child. The Virgin is unflawed in her beauty. Her robes are beautiful and enriched with beautiful trim. She is holding the Baby on her lap and is surrounded by other children, or perhaps they are angels. Two of the children are holding her crown or halo. It is a beautiful gold crown that seems to be radiating light, and in my interpretation, perhaps goodness and virtue also.
