Venus and the Arts of Love in Renaissance Florence

This book examines Venus and her arts of love in the society, culture, and governance of Florence from 1300–1600.

Rebekah Compton (Author)

9781108842914, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 March 2021

292 pages
26 x 18.3 x 2 cm, 0.78 kg

'… a compelling method for a broad and inclusive approach to analyzing art as the discipline moves forward in a rapidly evolving academic world.' A. V. Coonin, Choice

In this volume, Rebekah Compton offers the first survey of Venus in the art, culture, and governance of Florence from 1300 to 1600. Organized chronologically, each of the six chapters investigates one of the goddess's alluring attributes – her golden splendor, rosy-hued complexion, enchanting fashions, green gardens, erotic anatomy, and gifts from the sea. By examining these attributes in the context of the visual arts, Compton uncovers an array of materials and techniques employed by artists, patrons, rulers, and lovers to manifest Venusian virtues. Her book explores technical art history in the context of love's protean iconography, showing how different discourses and disciplines can interact in the creation and reception of art. Venus and the Arts of Love in Renaissance Florence offers new insights on sight, seduction, and desire, as well as concepts of gender, sexuality, and viewership from both male and female perspectives in the early modern era.

1. Golden Splendor: Visions of Venus
2. Cultivating Complexions: Cleaning and Coloring the Flesh
3. Sartorial Seduction: Silk, Embroidery, and Venusian Magic
4. Green Gardens: Venus' Verdant Virtues
5. Erotic Anatomy: Fantasy, Sex, and Disease
6. Maritime Treasures: Venus' Gifts from the Sea
Conclusion: Attendant Pleasures.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD], Renaissance art [ACND], History of art & design styles: c 1400 to c 1600 [ACN]