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Botticelli’s ‘Venus and Mars’ at the National Gallery of London with Dr. Irene Mariani
Learn with Irene Mariani

Botticelli’s ‘Venus and Mars’ at the National Gallery of London with Dr. Irene Mariani

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

A sleeping god, three cheeky satyrs, and a bride-like goddess. What is the meaning of this unusual painting, why was it commissioned, and how was it displayed initially?
The cryptic meaning and unusual composition of Botticelli's Venus and Mars, on display at the National Gallery of London, have fascinated generations of art lovers and gallery-goers. Set in an idyllic landscape, it features Venus, goddess of love, a sleeping Mars, the god of war, and three cheeky, playful satyrs. Like other mythological masterpieces painted by Sandro Botticelli in Renaissance Florence, many fascinating questions still surround Venus and Mars: what is the meaning of the painting, where was it originally on view, why was it commissioned, and by who?
Looking at paintings, material culture, and family patronage during the Medici time, this seminar will offer a 360-degree analysis of Botticelli's Venus and Mars. We will start by drawing parallels between the fine details of the painting and Renaissance material culture: this will permit us to identify a wide range of symbols connected to marriage and conjugal love. We will see how Venus and Mars was likely commissioned for a young couple's wedding and consider how the painting would have been displayed in a fifteenth-century domestic setting. Moreover, the wasps hoovering around Mars' head will hint at the patron's identity.
Led by an expert on Florentine Renaissance Art, Dr. Irene Mariani, this interactive seminar will explore the meaning, function, and display of Botticelli's 'Venus and Mars' in the artistic and social context of fifteenth-century Florence. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of one of Botticelli's most intriguing paintings.

Irene specialised in Italian Renaissance Art and her doctoral thesis looked at the artistic patronage of the Vespucci family in fifteenth-century Florence. She was an intern at the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and collaborated with the Education Department of the National Galleries of Scotland. Irene currently teaches History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh stole her heart and it is now her second home.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
82%
(9)
9%
(1)
9%
(1)
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(0)
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S
Suzanne Hannay (Heath, US)
A Didferent Sode of Dr. Mariani

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

S
S.H. (Heath, US)
A Different Side of Dr. Mariani

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

S
S.H. (Heath, US)
A Different Side of Dr. Mariani!

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

M
Mary (Sliema, MT)
Very engaging talk

I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. Dr Mariani explained her research in detail while keeping the listener engaged.

C
Camilla Galluzzo (New York, US)
Excellent

Dr Mariani was a pleasure to listen to. Her analysis of the painting, Botticelli, the Medici patronage and details were well presented .

123

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
82%
(9)
9%
(1)
9%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Suzanne Hannay (Heath, US)
A Didferent Sode of Dr. Mariani

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

S
S.H. (Heath, US)
A Different Side of Dr. Mariani

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

S
S.H. (Heath, US)
A Different Side of Dr. Mariani!

We thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth discussion of Sandro Botticelli’s life and creative powers. As a painter myself, I really appreciated Dr. Mariani’s careful attention to details in this spectacular painting. How lucky we were to get some insight into the serious academic background in art history as well as Dr.. M’s Ph.D work that is at the heart of her university life. It was fascinating to see how she used her keen insight into both the details of the painting and the history of the Vespucci family . So many different angles by which to exam this painting!

M
Mary (Sliema, MT)
Very engaging talk

I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. Dr Mariani explained her research in detail while keeping the listener engaged.

C
Camilla Galluzzo (New York, US)
Excellent

Dr Mariani was a pleasure to listen to. Her analysis of the painting, Botticelli, the Medici patronage and details were well presented .

123