An Analysis of Agnolo Bronzino's Painting 'Allegory"

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posted by Paul Kiritsis | January 12, 2012

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Dr. Paul Kiritsis analyzes the Renaissance painting "Allegory" by Agnolo Bronzino featuring Aphrodite and Eros, or Venus and Cupid. From his "Greek Gods and Goddesses" tour on www.paulkiritsis.net

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Interesting thanks

Sach — Jan 15, 2012

Notice he didn't mention the brazilian wax...

And he didn't mention the doves bottom left. Do two of Aphrodites toes appear disproportionately long..ish?

Hey there

Paul Kiritsis — Jan 16, 2012

Greetings Sach,

Brazilian wax? Don't think they had those in the 1500s in Renaissance Italy :-) Remember we must always adhere to hermeneutics of culture when interpreting any piece of art. The Olympians were always depicted hairless (in terms of body) during the times because hairlessness denoted eternal youth and perfection.

Doves have always been a symbol of peace, and the quality of peace is a by-product rather than an inherent component of love. Hence it's not directly related to love's anatomy as such.

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Dr. Paul Kiritsis, D. Phil.
BBSc, BMSc, PostGradDip, MMSc, D. Phil
Professional writer/ Award-winning author

Thanks for your reply. My

Sach — Jan 18, 2012

Thanks for your reply. My comment on the Brazilian was in jest however I had no idea why hairlessness was so commonly depicted. I guess having never studied art I've never asked the question, which I'm almost positive is some kind of art blasphemy.. Could you suggest why doves are included in the painting? And do you think there is a reason for their placement at the 'feet' of the painting/their subordinate relegation?

Hey Sach

Paul Kiritsis — Jan 20, 2012

My best guess regarding the doves would be to indicate the positive elementary aspects of love as the bringer of peace to the world. They're depicted beneath Cupid's feet so it could be to draw attention to the repression of peace by war, that other great aspect of love. Naturally Aphrodite or Venus holds the golden apple of discord (the one which caused the Trojan War) so this interpretation might be valid.
:-)