Sandro Botticelli‘s final painting with a mythological subject is based on a lost painting by an ancient Greek painter Apelles. He ventured to paintwork according to a description provided by Lucian in his Dialogues. Although Botticelli was neither the first nor the last artist to depict the theme, his work is stunning with detail, allegory, and precision, yet sadly not very well known.
The painting is really tiny (compared to the majority of his works), 62 x 91 cm (24.41 x 35.83 inches), and his detailed technique rather brings to mind miniatures than images on wood. Look at the miniature mythological and religious scenes on the architectural reliefs in the background—they are so sharp and clear, so thoroughly thought out.
The small size and the technique suggest that the painting was not intended for display but was meant to be hidden and treasured, enjoyed solely on a special occasion.
We’re not sure whether the painting was commissioned or not, it might have been painted by Botticelli to express his resentment for an unjust accusation of a crime he had not committed (an anonymous denunciation to the authorities accused him of sodomy) since the painting is an allegory for a real...