Date of Award

8-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture

Department

Art

First Advisor

Steven cody

Second Advisor

Dr. Sarah Cantor

Third Advisor

Dr. James Hutson

Abstract

This thesis examines how the iconographical program of Botticelli’s Primavera allows the painting to function as a how-to guide of sexuality for an aristocratic young bride in late-fifteenth century Florence. This thesis argues that the inclusion and juxtaposition of specific mythological figures creates a message about the appropriate locations and behaviors expected of a woman when expressing her sexuality. This iconographical program takes into account popular vernacular literature, allegorical meanings of mythology, and Christian understanding of Classical myth in order to produce a message that is meant to be understood by a very specific audience.

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