Myth of Primavera

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Flora | Roman mythology | Britannica

Sandro Botticelli's
     masterpiece
Primarvera
        painted in 1478
     with no clear explanation for 
the combination of characters
        it is to be viewed left to right
the bright colors contrasting
          with the dark trees
and foliage behind
      the paint pigments are divine
  the flesh colors pale and sublime
on the far right 
   the mighty west wind Zephyr
            chases a white wispy woman
and when he catches her
   she exhales flowers
and changes into Flora
              the goddess of Spring
 who then strews the ground 
             with blooms
from her beautiful tapestry like
                      embroidered dress
  in the center of the painting
           a subdued Venus of love gestures to the 
three graces who personify beauty, grace and charm
           to dance with their filmy gowns caressing  
                in an eternal circle
  on the flower strewn ground
on the left the Greek God Mercury
 disturbs the clouds above 
      with his staff held in his left hand 
        and cupid flies with his arrow ready
  no matter what Botticelli's intended 
the effect is beautiful with his
   attention to detail 
         I imagine the painting 
as being the joy of Spring

___________________
April 29, 2022


Poetry/Ekphrasis/Myth of Primavera
Copyright Protected, ID  04-1451-725-29
All Rights Reserved, 2022, Constance La France


Written for the Standard contest, A Brian Strand Premiere Choice
sponsor, Brian Strand , Judged 05/04/2022

Fifth Place

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Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/4/2022 6:34:00 PM

Enjoyed your description of the painting! Love the lines: and changes into Flora the goddess of Spring who then strews the ground with blooms from her beautiful tapestry like embroidered dress. Congratulations!

Constance La France
Date: 5/5/2022 9:33:00 AM

Kim, thank you so much for the compliment and comment and congratulations, blessings ~Constance

Sam Kauffman

Date: 5/4/2022 10:22:00 AM

Constance your poetic art matches the visual art of the painting creating the story of the painting. Congratulations on your win. Thank you for the art lesson!! Interesting the title of this painting - myth in itself. Enjoyed. Blessings.

Constance La France
Date: 5/4/2022 1:35:00 PM

Sam, thank you so much for the compliment, comment and congratulations, blessings ~Constance