Arts: Sandro Botticelli - The birth of Venus

Sandro Botticelli, born in Italy, around 1445, was a renowned Italian painter of the Early Renaissance. Raised in a family of modest means, Botticelli showed an early interest in art and began his apprenticeship with the painter Fra Filippo Lippi at a young age.

Botticelli's talent flourished under Lippi's guidance, and he soon became a sought-after artist in Florence. He embraced the classical ideals of the Renaissance, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art.

The birth of Venus

One of Botticelli's most iconic paintings is "The Birth of Venus," completed in the mid-1480s. This masterpiece captures the mythological birth of the goddess Venus, standing on a seashell and surrounded by mythical figures. The painting showcases Botticelli's fascination with classical mythology and his ability to infuse grace and beauty into his compositions.

Detail of the birth of Venus

Anecdotes about "The Birth of Venus" suggest that Botticelli was commissioned to create the painting by Lorenzo de' Medici, a prominent patron of the arts in Florence. The choice of subject matter was unconventional for the time, as the depiction of a nude goddess was considered daring. Nevertheless, Botticelli's innovative approach and skillful execution elevated the work to a timeless masterpiece.

Legend has it that Botticelli's portrayal of Venus was inspired by the beauty of Simonetta Vespucci, a renowned beauty of the Florentine court. It is said that Simonetta served as the model for Venus, adding a touch of real-world allure to the mythological scene.

Despite his artistic achievements, Botticelli faced a challenging period later in life. The rise of the more austere and religious style of art associated with Savonarola's influence in Florence led to a decline in Botticelli's popularity. He passed away in 1510, but his legacy endured, and his contributions to Renaissance art continue to be celebrated today.

A drawing on the blackboard

How to draw the eyes and the mouth? It helps to make lines with your pencil (later you have to erase them). Like this:

Venus with lines (proportions)

If you want to go further, watch this video that explains perfectly well how to draw a face:

Here is a more developed version with the hair. When drawing the hair, make the strokes in the direction of the hair itself, and at some points, apply more pressure. Then use a brush with a certain hardness to blend the charcoal from the pencil and create a smoother effect. You can apply this to the face, the outline of the eyes, and the neck.

I hope you enjoy!