Angel Florence: who was the mysterious Venus Sandro Botticelli

Sources of inspiration for the creators of the middle Ages and Renaissance often become unattainable Beautiful women, Platonic love and worship which gave birth to the masterpieces of world art. The Florentine Simonetta Vespucci became the greatest Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli in the same deity as Beatrice to Dante, or Laura to Petrarch. She did not notice the modest artist did not know that was his ideal of beauty.

The girl never found out, thanks to her image remained in centuries, she passed away at the age of 23.

(Total 16 photos)

Source: kulturologia.ru

Sandro Botticelli. Self portrait

Little is known about it. Simonetta was married to Marco Vespucci who was in a relationship with the famous Florentine Navigator Amerigo Vespucci. The husband of Simonetta was a friend of Giuliano de ' Medici, co — ruler of Florence, so after the wedding, the young have moved to this city. But the marriage of Simonetta and Marco was not happy.

Filippino Lippi. Portrait By S. Botticelli

After they moved to Florence a beautiful young woman could not leave without attention, her favor sought by many eminent men of the city, among her admirers were the Florentine ruler Lorenzo de Medici. But her heart was given to his younger brother Giuliano. Admired by the entire female population of the city, from noble ladies to the town — he was handsome, tall, strong and agile.

Sandro Botticelli. "Portrait of a young woman" ("Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci"), 1475-80

Agnolo Bronzino. Portrait Of Giuliano De ' Medici

Sandro Botticelli. Simonetta Vespucci (presumably), 1475

It is believed that this work of Piero di Cosimo in the image of Cleopatra depicts Simonetta Vespucci through the decades after his death.

Sandro Botticelli. Portrait Of Giuliano De ' Medici, 1476

Florence was loved by Giuliano de ' Medici. It was called Prince of Youth. He showed no interest in state Affairs, but willingly participated in tournaments and balls. Simonetta was considered the most beautiful in Florence, called her "Incomparable", the poets devoted poems to her, artists painted her portraits.

Sandro Botticelli. Portrait Of Giuliano De ' Medici, 1478

Sandro Botticelli. "Spring" (Primavera), 1482

Some researchers argue that Simonetta was the lover of Giuliano, some sure that their love remains Platonic. Apparent is the fact that on January 28, 1475, Giuliano took part in the tournament and after his victory, proclaimed the lady of his heart — Simonetta — the Queen of the tournament. This event was attended by Botticelli, depicting the personal banner of Giuliano Simonetta as Minerva in a white dress, with the head of Medusa the Gorgon in her hands. Unfortunately, this standard has not survived.

Sandro Botticelli. "The Birth Of Venus", 1485

Sandro Botticelli. "Madonna and child", 1470

Sandro Botticelli. "Madonna of the book", 1483

Sandro Botticelli. "Madonna with pomegranate", 1487

Beautiful Simonetta died at the age of 23 from tuberculosis (according to another version — from the poison). On her death, mourned all Florence mourned for care Lovely Ladies and the completion of ideal love Giuliano and Simonetta. Two years after the death of the beloved, on the same day — 26 April — died at the hands of the conspirators and Giuliano de ' Medici. The death of young lovers seemed to the Florentines mystical, about this story long remembered.

Andrea Verokko. Portrait of a woman. Presumably, this portrait of Simonetta Vespucci

Most of the portraits of Simonetta appeared after her death. Her early departure was mourned and Sandro Botticelli, who wrote her Venus and Spring. His most famous work — "the Birth of Venus" — Botticelli graduated 9 years after the death of Simonetta. Still ongoing debate among critics about what exactly the paintings the artist captures Simonetta Vespucci, and only her. Some people have suggested that since their meeting, the artist painted all the paintings of Simonetta in the guise of a Madonna or Venus for 15 years.

Simonetta Vespucci

With the death of Simonetta Vespucci and Giuliano de ' Medici in Florence ended a whole epoch, which is called the "Golden age" and the decline of the Florentine Renaissance.

Sandro Botticelli. "Venus and Mars", 1483