Botticelli’s the Birth of Venus

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and its Lack of Realism

The speakers agree that there are some distinctions between The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and other Renaissance works of art. True realism is missing from the image. Academics have defined naturalism as a realistic art technique that shuns idealized experiences. (Putnam & Caro, 2016). The Birth of Venus by Botticelli does not, according to the theory, represent the best of naturalism. The drawing tries to improve its illustration rather than accurately depict the actual world. The bodies in the picture don’t make sense, the features are meaningless, and they don’t exist in a realistic environment. The broadcasters’ study of the ancient Greek painting is based on the historians’ criticism of it. They argue that Botticelli based his work on the classical Greek tradition. The claim is apparent because the painter’s objects are isolated from the ground—a feature found in vase painting.

Focus on Beauty in The Birth of Venus

Second, the painting focuses on beauty, which is at no time existed in the arts in the Renaissance period. The commentators state that the painting’s pattern, quality, and the defying of space make it linear. Along with similar lines, they emphasize that linear drawings center on lines and edges. For this reason, a painter views the work in precise shapes and the framework of forms. The close-up of the featured drawing depicts linear painting through shades and individual portrayal of hair. This technique enhances the view of the breeze and how it moves through the hair of Venus while the paint remains immobile. The presenters also affirm that the work differs with a Masaccio because its form is tranquil and secure. They support their claim by illustrating the manner in which the paint reduces the apparent importance of deep-space in art. The elements applied in the drawing indicate divine beauty through physical allure, sensual beauty, and sexual stimulation.

Reference

Putnam, H. and Caro, M. (2016). Naturalism, realism, and normativity. 1st ed. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.