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Botticelli's Primavera: the dual wind Paulo Martins Oliveira
Being an expert in the use of ambiguities and double meanings, Sandro Botticelli superimposed several narratives in his Primavera (Uffizi, Florence).
Among other issues, the painting summarizes the continuous cycle of Nature, and for this purpose the artist merged the classical myths regarding such matter. Thus, the winged figure on the right actually represents not only the wind Zephyr, but also Hades at the gates of his kingdom of shadows.
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Shadowed “fruits�
Zephyr/Hades in Botticelli's Primavera Zephyr in Botticelli's The Birth of Venus
Both Zephyr and Hades are simultaneously seizing and releasing a feminine figure (respectively Chloris and Persephone), setting in motion the cycle of Nature (the releasing of Chloris/Persephone corresponds to spring, whereas the seizing symbolizes the arrival of winter. Because of this, the clothes on the right of the painting are being blown in opposite directions. Layer 1 Zephyr and Chloris Layer 2 Hades and Persephone
Wind blowing in opposite directions (seizing and releasing)
So, Zephyr/Hades personify winter, and the rest of the picture works in the same dynamic way. 2013 akenpapers.bravesites.com 2/2