The Birth of Venus by Botticelli: Great Art Explained:

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Sandro Botticelli’s poetic sense of beauty captivated the Florentine court. But it was his subject matter which distinguished him from other artists. He was one of the first western artist since classical times to depict non-religious scenes, and Botticelli’s inclusion of a near life size female nude was revolutionary.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
CREDITS
SUBTITLES
Thanks to Charles Xue for Chinese subtitles
Thanks to Ludivine Desriac for French Subtitles
Thanks to Bart Vergouwe for Dutch Subtitles.
Thanks to Giuliana Tomio for Spanish Subtitles
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
BOOKS
Botticelli by Frank Zöllner
Botticelli by Barbara Deimling
Botticelli: Artist and Designer (Renaissance Lives) by Ana Debenedetti
The Italian Renaissance: Culture and Society in Italy, 3rd Edition by Peter Burke
The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici by Christopher Hibbert
Women in the Picture by Catherine McCormack
FILM
Rome footage
• ROME, ITALY CITY ETER...
Cyprus footage
• Cyprus in the '60s: Ap...
Florence crowd footage
• ITALY: Florence: Benit...
Bonfire footage
• HUGE 100ft Bonfire goe...
Pope Leo XIII footage
• 1810, Earliest-Born Pe...
Villa Medici di Castello
• Villa medicea di Castello
David footage
• Il David di Michelangelo
Demonstration footage ©MarzioTamer, courtesy Salamon Fine Art, Milan
• Egg tempera tutorial b...
Florence Ponte Vecchio footage courtesy of Debra Pfahl
Music: Four Seasons (Summer) by Vivaldi
"Theme" music: JS Bach “Sonata for violin solo No.1 in G Minor”
Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please leave a comment. It really helps promote the channel. Thanks!

[@willsgs80]

Great job!

[@ivanjeremija9180]

Beautiful video!

[@Whoopwhoopwhoop]

I used NORD VPN and it bricked my computer.

[@sarnai2418]

@@willsgs80 good 😌😌 good 😌 love 💗 and hope so we so glad better hope ooo

[@GreatArtExplained]

@@Whoopwhoopwhoop I use it literally every day and had no problems

[@SweetButDeadly101]

I knew almost nothing about Art (or Art History) until your channel was suggested to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single episode. You make the subject matter so interesting and so accessible. Thank you for your hard work! Love from Australia xx

[@joshuawilliams2714]

I agree entirely, but I’m from Wales. Love from Wales

[@dmovila]

Same from Romania.

[@marcodozzo6460]

Same from Brazil. Impeccably produced, James!

[@wernerpfennig770]

Same here!!! Thank you for making awesome content 🥰🥰🥰

[@sarahwatts7152]

Art history is awesome; beneath every artist, there is a great story.

[@tarren452]

In the best way possible, this video feels much longer than it is - you manage to pack in so much information in a short space of time, but none of it feels rushed or overwhelming, so in 18 mins it feels like I've learned as much as if I'd watched a 45 min documentary! Your channel has such consistently great videos, and I'm sure a massive amount of work goes into them- thank you 👏👏👏

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment - thanks 🙏

[@bryonyapril6925]

I think it’s so sad that a lot of literature and art has been burned throughout history all because it doesn’t match the views of others, especially when we can learn so much from it. Another great video, thank you James. I never noticed how glowing venus’ skin is, so beautiful.

[@SheriSoltes]

And today’s school book bans.

[@madisoncontroversial7348]

Still happening today

[@dylanmurphy9389]

Think of all the amazing architecture that has been destroyed in wars 😢

[@oliverdurkin-cinematograph2693]

This channel is what the essence of KZbin should be about. Gives one hope. A sharing of knowledge. Thank you indeed.

[@garssympa500]

How many times have I seen this painting and yet I understood so little about it. I use this work to explain to my students why so many French perfumes were called chypres (French for Cypress)... the island of love, female beauty and erotic possibilities. I loved the Daniel Craig reference. I am a proud Patreon of this channel.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Ian Fleming describes Honey Ryder coming out of the ocean in Dr. No as like "a Botticelli" so when Craig made his debut, they are obviously referencing that iconic scene. Very clever! Thanks for your support on Patreon, it means a lot! James

[@0HARE]

This was a brilliant and illuminating lesson. My appreciation is immense. Thank You

[@pac2718]

Excellent video. The Birth of Venus is perhaps my favorite painting, in part for its incredible luminosity and how vivid its colours are. It is incredible that something as perishable as an egg yolk has better preservative properties than an oil which will oxidize over time. I've never paid attention too much to the material used for painting but I realize that I really like the effect produced by the tempera technic. It is really bright and there's a natural aspect to its colours. Thanks for another very instructive video.

[@mfr336]

My kids are homeschooled, and once a week we do art study. It's very simple, and mostly about learning to appreciate great art, because it's so easy to disregard in this day and age. I love your videos because, while short, they delve into fascinating details. My kids enjoy them, and my husband who before couldn't care less had started joining in. Thank you!

[@andrewwhite1097]

I love how you not only explain the painting but also give context to the artist himself and the time it was painted in. Love it. If you don’t mind I would like to see a future video on Damien Hirst - “The Incomplete Truth”. I find it very thoughtful.

[@vogliounacocacola]

In a parallel universe I'm ultra rich and I hire you to go with me to Museums all over the world and explain these things.

[@Kurooganeko]

I just noticed taht Venus is in between the wind of spring and the hour of summer. So Venus was born in the astrological transition from Taurus to Gemini. In astrology, Venus is the ruler of the Taurus sign

[@GreatArtExplained]

Interesting 🤨

[@sergpie]

(Ancient) Greeks and their coupling of fair virgins with bulls may be a precedent. Ishtar (Venus) sending the bull of heaven (i.e. Taurus) to battle against Gilgamesh after the latter called Ishtar a ho, may be a more ancient analog of interaction between these figures.

[@Lila17_]

Venus rules libra tho , so I was guessing she was a libra… libra represents beauty also

[@Kurooganeko]

@@Lila17_ Well, I think that astrologically that cant be possible. Taurus and Libra are kinda far from each other. But maybe the closer interpretation could be that those two signs emanate from the creative energy of Venus than the other way around. Like the goddess "being the mother" of them. You know? Cause children inherit from their parents

[@Lila17_]

@@Kurooganeko yea but Venus does rule libra so , it makes sense plus it’s not a coincidence that Venus represents beauty like libra does. It dont think it matters when she was born , plus it’s not for certain.

[@christianhollingsworth2275]

I recently visited the national art gallery with a friend. We were both surprised by how much I was able to talk about form, meaning, and techniques. This can all be attributed to your videos and the interest they sparked in me to seek further information. Well done! You're making more well rounded people!

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s amazing 🙏

[@Decetop]

I love the little tidbits you throw in here and there. Such as the gothic tradition of elongated depictions of people. Things which I’m sure many, myself included, have seen countless but have failed to notice or appreciate.

[@buffmypickles]

Absolutely remarkable. I know almost nothing about Art History. However, you skillfully weave the threads between history, religion, symbolism, and art. Thank you for your contributions!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you!

[@Babumoshaaai]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever, that’s what comes to my mind when I think of this painting.

[@yolanbravo9628]

I’v always been obsessed with Botticelli’s work…this video gives justice to his Legacy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@wonderwoman5528]

As someone who has never learnt about the history of art, I can’t recommend this channel enough for its services to learning and education.

[@GrandHoopla]

I've had the pleasure of seeing this painting many times, but your video has given me so much more appreciation for it (much more info than a guide or a brochure). Thank you!

[@andywilliams2693]

I just want to start this comment by saying I genuinely can't thank you enough for the effort and genuine passion that you put into each one of your videos. I have always found love in art, early on because of the admiration of the technical skill and techniques implemented in creating such works. But I've always really struggled with actually commiting myself to finishing a piece myself. After finding your channel I have never had such a desire to have that creative drive again as your accurate portrail of an art pieces in line with their historical significance (both in its personal affiliation to the artist and the commission, as well as the cultural significance of the time it was painted) portrays that art has always and will always have a huge influence on our history and its depiction. Which to myself atleast and I presume many others is such a wonderful and refreshing window into the creativeness of art history. To cut a long comment short you've found your self a devoted fan x

[@GreatArtExplained]

That is such a nice comment. 🙏 Thanks so much

[@Mechahendrix]

Really loved your explanation of the characters position in the foreground and poses they find themselves in. The way they look so static while being stuck in dynamic actions (balancing on a seashell, flying, lifting flowers over their head) gives the piece a sort of dream quality to it.

[@brawlpoint696]

My mum always says why are you so enthusiastic about these paintings. She sat with me this episode and watched it whole said to me to tell what channel is it just to start watching your videos!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

That is amazing - thanks for watching (both of you) 🙏

[@jennw6809]

I will always fondly remember my first yoga teacher back in the 80s who would tell me I looked like a Botticelli angel. Ahhh, youth. She was amazing. Thank you so much for another great video, I loved learning about how revolutionary this was!

[@NightHawkExpress]

Gunna go ahead and steal that line, thank you very much!

[@babyinvasion]

My friends mom said to me " you have Botticelli hair and also look Pre-Raphaelite!" I wanted to cry, what a compliment. 🤍💖

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Never be in a rush; instead, do things slowly and calmly. Do not lose your inner calm for whatever reason, even if your entire world appears to be in turmoil.

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She’s a gem. The kind that come from bivalves

[@GreatArtExplained]

😂

[@talktothefuture5410]

When I was 16, I spent nearly a fortnight alone in the Louvre during a school trip. I hated the plaques next to the art. I always wondered: "Why would you ever want to read about it if you can just look at it?" Even after looking at an image for an hour, it still seemed like a total waste to me to spend 15'' reading it. But your documentaries are nothing like that! They offer me new tools and ways to look and analyse the art. It's just bloody brilliant how you taught me to see meaning within meaning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment thanks 🙏

[@josiahsmusicaccount]

Fantastic! An interesting aspect of Venus' radiance is that Venus was the Morning Star, before the concept of planets was really understood. Thanks for the great enlightening work you do and your thoroughness and dedication!

[@GreatArtExplained]

It's an area I looked at, as the Virgin Mary and Venus are both called "Stella Maris" but it was digressing too much. Thanks for commenting!

[@nathanbeals293]

I've always had a passing appreciation for static art and art history but ever since discovering your channel I have felt so much more engaged with the pieces I look at. Keep it up!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@TomPlets]

I minored in art history at university but sadly never really pursued it further. You’ve reignited my passion for it. Thank you for the great videos!!!

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You make art history so casually accessible to people. Thank you for doing one of my favorites!!!!

[@joehay2748]

I've never come across such a perfectly enjoyable channel. So informative and clear, about a subject generally only available to those who go out of their way to research in great length and with a great understanding of the art world. You have made it accessible to anyone and everyone, and for free?! I can't state enough just how incredible this channel really is! I never thought I'd understand art in this way nor appreciate it the way I now do. This is what youtube was designed for.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@branamcs]

This channel has reignited my love for art and creating. Thank you.

[@jamiewilloughby1410]

Another excellent video. This series has reinvigorated my love of art history

[@J0ker3008]

This channel is incredible, it showed me a new Perspective on art and artist the details,the story behind or what kinda technique they used its just amazing and the video is great the way you included the music or you show the details on the art piece just wow Im always happy to see a new video from you pop and its nice to see that you also improve ur videos keep it up

[@matthieujoly]

The quality of the work, and how the story, the history is told IS just amazing. An amazing job, thank you.

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Thank you for making the videos the perfect length. Long enough as to not omit too much but short enough to fit into busy lives. You are very very good at this ! Fascinating and highly watchable .

[@smokey64504]

I've been excited for this video ever since I saw it in the intro of your much earlier videos, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Thank you for everything you do.

[@TheDanacarolyn]

I honestly love your videos. I’ve never seen a channel so soothing, educational, and accessible. Thank you!!

[@NightHawkExpress]

I really appreciate your channel’s ability to go into deep nuances, but remaining very accessible. Thank you for your contribution to the culture.

[@imacat687]

When I first stood in front of this masterpiece, my legs literally gave out under me, because I was so overwhelmed by its sheer beauty. Looking at this picture gave me a brief glimpse into the Godly inside me.

[@hippolyte90]

One of my absolute favourite paintings, simply because I find it beautiful, and your video made me appreciate it even more. Please keep making these videos.

[@RusaFellow]

These are amazing. The videos are not only so full of knowledge, but with amazing production quality and sound design. The wind howls and the leaves rustle when you are talking about them. Best channel on KZbin.

[@JeremyMadeArt]

Everything is perfect about the videos on this channel. I can't express how much I enjoy them. Thank you!

[@nicksims2827]

An incredible video - I don’t know how you keep up such high standards, and the amount of work you put in to these is astounding. Thank you

[@lanaurbana4034]

Love your creative content, James. Never stop doing what you are doing!

[@nannisender4423]

Thank you for another really wonderful video. I love the clarity and the wide frame of reference that you use. Really very informative and enjoyable.

[@Writerdane]

I’ve been waiting for a year or two for you to feature Botticelli. This did not disappoint. Thank you for this.

[@pippysperson]

I love art history and your channel is my favorite on KZbin. Can't wait to see what you do next. This could be a tv show, it's so good.

[@devinknott9232]

amazing video. i was lucky enough to see this in person on a field trip when i was a student

[@devikumar2609]

absolutely amazing video. the amount of research you do to bring these videos to life is incredible. thanks for making these videos.

[@kzzhangify]

Thank you so much for these incredibly fascinating, well produced and well researched videos.

[@user-wy1gm5zb8x]

This is my favorite channel. I’m in awe with how you menage to find perfect balance between history, biography of the autor and analysis of the works of art themselves. It’s amazing for art lovers since I always find out something new, even if I’m already familiar with a painting and thought I knew it well but also a perfect way for people who don’t know much about art to get into it. Thank you for your amazing work and I assume many many hours of research behind it.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment - thanks 🙏

[@irinazartaloudi3083]

Thank you!! It's remarkable! I have been waiting for the video on this painting for so long!!!

[@Dawn-bl8ze]

I look forward to your episodes so eagerly. Thank you for the effort. They’re just amazing. ❤️

[@mcprt13]

Love listening to you explaining details of art pieces.💚 Looking forward to more.

[@laurarosero9833]

I really enjoy your videos and I have binge watched them all! It is hard to understand an art piece without acknowledging the time and place in which it was created. You do a great work explaining the artist’s reality and their influences.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@whylashes8433]

Love everything about this channel! Your delivery on the critical historical context for these works is impeccable. My husband and I both love your short and long form content. Thanks for all you do!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@shaunaleonard7984]

As with all your videos, I found it so informative and a pleasure to watch. Not just about the painting, but a tour of the history of the artist and a history of art at that time!

[@blanchegreco7201]

Absolutely brilliant. The description, the history, the painting. Everything is on point, really captivating to watch 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@croatianshiftry]

Just finished with work! What a blessing to see a new upload Mr. Payne! Thank you🙏

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@dunjazivotin1335]

The videos are so engaging that I usually watch them twice: once without any reading/researching before and then again after I try to look for things I found interesting/unknown during the first watch so to say. You make me want to be more into art, so, thank you! 😍

[@kristina.478]

Thank you, the video is wonderful :) Your ability to analyze the painting in a concise way (but giving a lot of details) is remarkable.

[@thesmilingmercenary937]

What a gift to the world! You have given me a new level of understanding for this great work.

[@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_]

Great video like always! This painting is so deserving of being a Renaissance icon, covering the topic of mythological, humanism, sex, beauty and love.

[@mellincoln1619]

I love your quick yet detailed explanations about artists and their masterpieces. I look forward to your future content.

[@shandraschoonover3793]

Standing face to face with this painting in Florence was one of the best parts of my time spent in Italy. Birth of Venus and Primavera are both magnificent. Thank you for the information!! ❤

[@kelseykato5429]

There are so many video essays on KZbin that are informative, but few that are truly insightful; especially when it comes to art as the subject. Yours are always both!!! It’s clear that they’re crafted with not just care, but also ingenuity and immense expository skill🖼🎉 I always recommend this channel to my friends, and I plan on continuing to do so!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@cineast1980]

In these very difficult times, your channel helps me to calm down and concentrate on the astonishing and beautiful things people created. Thank you so much for the great content!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@turaifhusaini]

Thank you so much for providing such high quality content. This channel has become my absolute favourite one and I can't get enough of these 🛐🛐

[@mickie214gostars]

Just love the insights in such a concise format.

[@Monkeybonkers2008]

James, I am always delighted to see another video from you. Your content is such high quality that I have watched many of your videos multiple times. I've lost count of the amount of times I have watched your Arnolfini Portrait one. Your channel has really made me appreciate art so much more. I started drawing and painting two years ago and this channel has inspired me to keep learning. I owe you a debt of gratitude. One last thing, in this age where we have access to instant gratification for all our information needs it is refreshing that we have to wait a few weeks for each new video. The anticipation only increases the enjoyment I get from each new video. Thank you very much for all your efforts.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment Paul 🙏

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

I enjoyed this so much and learned a great deal. Thank you for this fascinating video!

[@derekdavis2967]

Love the videos! It has been over twenty years since I’ve delved into art history, and I am really enjoying these, and reigniting my love of great art.

[@bbvrlow]

You are my favorite part of KZbin! Your videos are works of art to say the least. Thank you for being the source of my newfound passion of art history! Cheers

[@MrFarhangAmini]

Your analysis is what I have yearned for for years. I am overjoyed to see this content made, available for free, and on demand. My sincerest thanks to you (and your team if there is one)

[@GreatArtExplained]

No it’s just me - thanks 🙏

[@bethany6205]

I always feel like I could own a gallery after watching these videos.

[@sausagelink5664]

Too bad about the chronic poverty

[@lucia18478]

Beautiful piece of work to go so into depth on, very well done

[@KcMcStix]

This is one of the best new channels out there! I have seen every video and will watch every one hereafter. Cheers!

[@kvinettaf09]

😭 I didn't want to end!! Beautiful work as always. I feel so lucky to have seen a Boticelli piece in the flesh and how the egg tempura and pigments last, it's incredible. And what an iconic legacy for this painting. Love it.

[@marinapresniakova179]

I was aways attracted to this particular painting, trying to de-code it on my own. I read many articles, but they've never resonated with me enough. I am amateur art lover. I am attracted to different forms of art and history by heart, but leading my ordinary life only able to spend time pursuing this pleasure when I can.. I thank you for the work on this project. So far, it has been one of my most satisfying educational experiences ❤

[@justadood69]

Another great video! Thanks for all the hard work you put into these, I always learn so much from them.

[@leaneespinosa686]

These videos are just simply amazing. Such an informative and interesting channel. Whether studying anything related to Art History, or just being curious about art and culture, this is a must see. Thanks for the great effort you put into this work, you make all this history immensely interesting and fun.

[@rebeccacooke2707]

I've watched every video and can't wait for the next already! Also, I visited the John Soane House after your London Art Cities video and bought a National Art Pass and saw the Great Wave in the British Museum's exhibition. You've literally enriched my experience of living in London, thank you, James.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s awesome - thanks for watching 🙏

[@keithrosenthal4757]

This Channel and the Show “Fake Or Fortune” are responsible for my interest, and desire to learn and too gain as much knowledge and educate myself about the Art, the Artist, and the history! THANK YOU 🙏

[@kelseytm6715]

Insightful video as always. I appreciate the amount of research that is put into both the art and artist as well. The context of the artwork and the motivation of the artist are really interesting.

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Your Videos about art are the only ones that i always click immediately! Glad to see that your channel is found by many more people! May the algorithm be with you :)

[@gaiaoffline]

Your passion of art speaks tremendously through your channels quality content ❤️❤️

[@daidehikalvally5662]

Absolutely love your videos. You got so many of us interested in Art History!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@pablosanchez4770]

I can’t explain how much I enjoy these videos, particularly when you cover something as interesting as this. I hope your channel continues to experience lots of growth so you can share your insight. Thank you very much and I hope you understand how much you efforts are appreciated.

[@Dkatanasoul0]

Fantastic video! So amazingly well-researched and presented. I've always admired Botticelli and this work, but even much more so now thanks to your explanations! Looking forward to what's coming next.

[@franktian2649]

this channel is underrated, love the video!

[@MikaeruElric]

I went to art school in HS, and it's so nice to listening to art history lessons again 💖 thank you for your work, it's impressive, and I love how you explain complex themes in simple terms so everyone can approach art - as it should always be!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@avknowles1]

I’ve been waiting for this new video and you did not disappoint!!! Thank you and keep up the great work 👏🏼

[@DivoGo]

So glad I found this channel. One of my favorites fully explained. I love Birth of Venus even more!❤️❤️❤️

[@laurensabino182]

Just a thought to your point at 10:40… maybe Botticelli added in a type of plant that wouldn’t be able to realistically grow in a saltwater environment to further his stance that this is an imaginary, fantasy-like world? Just clicked in my head as it followed your topic from earlier in the video. Wonderful video, as usual 🤍

[@GreatArtExplained]

That's a possibility, although every other plant in this and Primarvera are correct. Maybe though!

[@laurensabino182]

@@GreatArtExplained hmm, your original point in the video does make more sense then! While I have you, would you consider covering Wanderer above the Sea of Fog? It’s my favorite painting, along with Saturn Devouring His Son. I’ve never had two paintings make me feel emotions so intensely, but obviously quite different feelings for both. Thank you for responding! ☺️

[@dnegron8]

Thank you for the great and insightful breakdown! Truly have fallen for this channel. It's an art craft of its own speaking about other art.

[@brandonleroux6059]

OMG James thanks for another stunning vid. I am super excited. I've sooooo been looking forward to your next one. Thank you once again for the time you take and effort you put into making these. It really is appreciated.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@gracen888]

This is the first video of yours that I have seen and I'm thankful for the research you have done, making me appreciate the art and the artist, their signifance.

[@BaltasarL]

Great video as usual! Loved the new intro too

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@unclegumbald989]

Just discovered your channel thru the Garden of Earthly Delights painting... I'm about to binge the hell outta your content! 💜

[@robertdufour2456]

So stirring! Thank you for sharing your passion through these videos!