The Birth of Venus

500 Years Later and Still Strong

The Birth of Venus is a painting by the Italian artist Botticelli.  It is one of the most famous paintings in the world.  It is estimated that the Birth of Venus was completed in 1480-1484, that means the painting is over 500 years hold, heck it is almost at 550 years old.

About the Birth of Venus

The painting is an icon for several reasons.  The painting was done on canvas, at the time most paintings, especially fancier paintings were painted on wood.  It is also one of the largest canvas paintings around for that time.  It measures about 9ft x 6ft.  The painting is sensual, during a time of Christian art having a nude model in the front really stood out.  This painting was a return to appreciate the human form through ancient Greek and Roman mythology.  Botticelli was inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman art.  This painting didn't really become very famous until about 400 years later.  It wasn't until the 19th century when Boticelli's works started to become in demand.

500 Years is a Long Time.

I would never attempted to be like a movie studio and remake a classic vintage, I was inspired by the name and the idea.  I created a modern version of the idea of the Birth of Venus.  500 years is a long time and the world has changed along with art.  I decided to revisit the Birth of Venus concept.

The Modern Birth of Venus

The world is a different place, there is less mystery and romance.  The idea of science rules our time. I wanted to incorporate the idea of science and with the skeleton.  We know what it inside, how the body works.  I wanted her birth to be a creation forming in front of us.  I also went to the past, all the way to the Greek myth of Venus.  I painted her as we see the Greek Monuments, she is being formed and not complete.  She is contemporary, all the while remaining sensual and waiting.

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