Venus and the Arts of Love in Renaissance Florence

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.