EyeItalia

Springtime is about to come around once more. As the season of hope and rebirth, it has inspired many an artist throughout the centuries. One of the most famous works to homage the season about to start is Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera (Italian for springtime). This tempera on panel was commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’Medici, cousin of the great Lorenzo de’Medici, and was completed around 1482.

The Primavera is  illustrative of Renaissance classicistic iconography and form, depicting classical gods almost naked and life-size, and a complex philosophical symbolism requiring deep knowledge of Renaissance literature to interpret. Its nature is deeply humanistic and reflects contemporary cultural influences. The most evident meaning of the picture, however, is that of an ode to the Renaissance, or Rinascimento, which was taking place in Florence more than anywhere else. Originally placed in the Medici Villa in Castello, the Primavera can now be seen in the Galleria degli Uffizi (www.uffizi.com), open from Tuesday to Sunday 8:15 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance, in order to avoid the queues at the entrance which at times get extremely long.

—Camillo Mekacher Vogel