Two Venus's From Two Different Periods

     I have alway been intrigued by the many depictions of "Venus" therefore I chose to compare and contrast Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" from the Early Renaissance and Titian's "Venus of Urbino" from the High Renaissance. 
   
 Both compositions serve as representations of the classical Venus whom typically gives a sense of innocence and modesty. She is typically seen as a beautiful woman and in an idealist manner. When looking at the "Birth of Venus," we see all of these characteristics. Venus is given long beautiful hair, an envious figure, and a pretty face. We see a classical technique being used in this painting with Venus showing such perfection. Her modesty is shown through her actions and facial features. She covers herself up and looks as if she is embarrassed to be seen or like she has been caught off guard. When looking at the "Venus of Urbino," we see a bit of a difference. We still see an idealized woman lying on a bed. Once again, her hair is long and beautiful and her appearance is perfect. The only difference is, this Venus is not as modest as most Venus's are portrayed. In Titian's depiction of Venus we see a woman who has an erotic intent. She shows such confidence  in her pose and the placement of her hand on her genitalia adds to the eroticism. Unlike Botticelli's Venus, we see a Venus who is not ashamed or embarrassed at all to be showing off her breasts or genitalia. One reason for her confidence could be that this was a bride welcoming her husband. The roses in her hand resemble a bride or reference marriage. Also, in the background are servants putting things away in her cassoni, or wedding chests. Viewers are drawn to the sexuality of both Venus's because of the attention that is given to their nude figures. Even though one Venus is more embarrassed by her nudity, we are still conscious of it because of how she  covers herself up. Although Titian's Venus shows a little less modesty, I think that she can still be considered a Venus because of her idealistic appearance, also seen in Botticelli's Venus. 
   
 When looking at the different styles used to create these pieces we can clearly see a difference in color. In Titian's painting, we see bright and vivid colors that were common in the High Renaissance period. Botticelli's painting has a lot of grey to it and the colors are not as bright. Both paintings show a bit of naturalism with their use of a horizon line and the poses that both Venus's are in. Botticelli's Venus stands in a contrapposta stance giving us a sense of movement and naturalism.Titian's Venus gives us that same feeling in the way that one of her legs crosses over the other. The shadows created on her legs also give off a naturalistic feel. I find it interesting that both Venus's have long and wavy blonde hair. It seems like it has become a symbol for a beautiful woman. 
     
Titian's depiction of Venus does contain dynamic unity. In his painting we are seeing what is thought to be a young bride on her wedding day. She is representing Venus in this painting and through her idealized appearance and her slight modesty, we can tell that this woman is a depiction of Venus. She is obviously not Venus herself but she is representing the well-known Goddess. Botticelli's Venus on the other hand, is a depiction of the actual Venus. Botticelli is telling a story about the birth of the actual Goddess, Venus. Because his painting is not a representation but Venus herself, there is a lack of dynamic unity. 
   
Although both of these painting revolve around the same Goddess, Venus, they each have their own styles and show two different interpretations. We also get to see a somewhat similar piece created in the early and the high renaissance period and get an insight on the differences between these periods.