Episode 65: Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus (c. 1485-86)
“I can’t help the way I’m feeling
Goddess of love, please take me to your leader
I can’t help, I keep on dancing.”
The neoplatonic ideal of beauty, the girl on the half-shell, the naked chick riding a clam. Her tilted head and fluttery hair are recognized by everyone and their grandma, but no one - experts included - can explain just why in the heck this painting is so iconic. Shell we take on the challenge?
Music Used:
Django Reinhardt, “Django’s Tiger”
Joan Baez, “Diamonds and Rust”
The Blue Dot Sessions, “TwoPound,” “Coulis Coulis,” “Delmendra,” “No Smoking,” “Belle Anette,” “Rue Severine,” “Ranch Hand,” “Pastel de Nata,” “Khfett”
Lady Gaga, “Venus”
Episode Sponsor:
Tamar Avishai