Sandro Botticelli Vénus et Mars Year: 1483 Medium: panel, tempera Movement: Early Renaissance Sandro Botticelli’s 1483 tempera on panel artwork captures a moment of serene contemplation and playful disruption. It depicts the Roman goddess Venus observing the sleeping god Mars, exuding a relaxed sensuality. Around them, four lively young satyrs are seen attempting to rouse the slumbering deity. In the background, the vast sea stretches, symbolizing the birthplace of Venus. While there isn't an exact literary source for this specific scene, a poem by Poliziano comes closest, describing Venus watching Mars sleep. The Medici family, known for commissioning many of Botticelli’s iconic pieces, played a role in its creation; notably, Giuliano di Piero de Medici is believed to have served as the model for the sleeping Mars, connecting this Early Renaissance masterpiece to powerful patrons of the era.