The Birth of Venus

Botticelli's The Birth of Venus is one of the most well known images featuring an allusion to Greek Mythology. In the Edith Hamilton text, Homer's telling of the birth of Venus is quoted as stating, "The breath of the west wind bore her over the sounding sea." In the image you see Zephyr on the left doing just that and on the right is Hours, who Homer said "And the Hours golden-wreathed welcomed her joyously." This painting seeks to represent one of the birth stories of Venus or Aphrodite. This image is an example of Botticelli's style of women, they are rounded and soft looking. This is not how I imagined Aphrodite but I have a modern idea of beauty that does not match what was accepted at the time of Botticelli. 

You are going to be provided an explanation of the allusion on of the piece of art that is featured in the chart below. You will identify the piece of art and the artist. You will explain the story that is being depicted through the characters that are features and that actions they are engaging in. You will also provide your opinion regarding the depiction of the god or goddess and their story. 

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