You are a good writer, and this provides important perspective on how art history is "made." But I am a bit piqued that you say the idea that Primavera was made for a bedchamber, and most likely a young bride, is still just speculation. Even the MET dares to say it was: https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/paintings-of-love-and-marriage-in-the-italian-renaissance
Reading through this, the Met also says it's "generally believed" that it was for a wedding, but likewise does not say it definitively. The reason for this is that we unfortunately do not have records of the original commission for this painting. However, the fact that it remains speculative doesn't entirely rule out the possibility - it just means that sadly, we don't know for sure. I will say this - I sure would love a gorgeous painting as a wedding gift!
I'm glad it happened. He was a very good painter. Handsome, but sickly, it was said of him. What I appreciate is that he actually liked women, so his female figures were flattering and well proportioned (even if a little chubby by today's standards). This stands in contrast to some other famous Italians who painted and sculpted men with breasts and called them women.
Fascinating read. I love the point that, often, (re)discovering a great figure of the past is usually something that happens over time and not in one decisive "moment" of discovery!
I read somewhere that figures represented notes in a musical scale? Or is it my imagination? Anyway - brilliant piece. Thank you!
I have not read that before, that's so interesting! Thank you so much for reading!
I hope sometimes that souls are eternal
And while the earthly matters don't concern them
Where they now dwell-
They still can learn of spell
They hold on us, its magic and its music,
Whether the notes are of sonnet or anthem
You are a good writer, and this provides important perspective on how art history is "made." But I am a bit piqued that you say the idea that Primavera was made for a bedchamber, and most likely a young bride, is still just speculation. Even the MET dares to say it was: https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/paintings-of-love-and-marriage-in-the-italian-renaissance
Reading through this, the Met also says it's "generally believed" that it was for a wedding, but likewise does not say it definitively. The reason for this is that we unfortunately do not have records of the original commission for this painting. However, the fact that it remains speculative doesn't entirely rule out the possibility - it just means that sadly, we don't know for sure. I will say this - I sure would love a gorgeous painting as a wedding gift!
So interesting, Nicole. Never noticed SB's influence on Pre-Raphaelite paintings until now!
I'm glad you liked it!
I'm glad it happened. He was a very good painter. Handsome, but sickly, it was said of him. What I appreciate is that he actually liked women, so his female figures were flattering and well proportioned (even if a little chubby by today's standards). This stands in contrast to some other famous Italians who painted and sculpted men with breasts and called them women.
Fascinating read. I love the point that, often, (re)discovering a great figure of the past is usually something that happens over time and not in one decisive "moment" of discovery!
Really enjoyed this!