This is a painting by Botticelli. I found it very amusing to see him use two Greek mythical characters from different story's and make his own. Here is Venus the goddess of love drugging Mars the god of war. On the bottom right there is a hallucinogenic called Datura stramonium is knonw as "poor man's acid". This gives the idea of love is a drug.
So what do you think about this piece? Do you like the way the characters in the painting interact? What made you choose this one?
ReplyDeleteI like the way the story of the painting is in "action". I think the demons symbolize the acts of Venus. It looks like they are jousting Mars in the head causing the drowsiness. By positioning venous in front shows that she has power. I love the folds and wrinkles in Venus's dress because they look so real.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think the way these characters are in "story" with one another on the canvas is what provides its appeal.
DeleteI think the colors seem different from other pieces, they're more vibrant, bright, and life-like. It's almost as if this picture was taken through a fifteenth century camera.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've seen this piece. It's ... interesting, to say the least. Looking at the three faun holding what appears to be a lance makes me wonder why one has a helmet.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I wouldn't have seen anything about drugs at all. The vibrant, life-like colors (pointed out by Coolsy77) seem to contradict the story behind the piece.
Like I said: interesting.