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Description: |
Among my most favorite
paintings is Primavera, by the Italian Renaissance painter
Sandro Botticelli (c. 1482). Commissioned by the Medici
family, this masterpiece is part of the collection of the
Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. The painting features six
female figures, two male figures and a winged putto (a
cupid-style figure depicted as a blind-folded chubby male
child with bow, arrow and quiver) in an orange grove. This
tremendous painting (80 in x 124 in) is very elaborate and
has the appearance of Flemish tapestries. In this
masterpiece, Botticelli painted over 500 identifiable plant
species and about 190 flower varieties.
Many of the flowers are
adorning one figure, that of Flora. She is known in Greek
and Roman mythology as the Goddess of flowering plants,
especially those that bear fruit. She has flower garlands in
her hair and around the neckline of her bodice. Her gown is
embroidered with flowers and leaves. Flora's gown is pulled
up in the front to create a pouch so she can carry an armful
of cut flowers.
Considered by many as the
Goddess of Spring, ancient Rome created a festival called
Floralia to honor her. Originally a moveable feast to
coincide with the blossoming of the plants, later developing
into a full on festival as time passed. Attendees were
treated to dancing, gladiator contests, horse racing,
theatrical performances, circus events, and of course a lot
of food and wine. Modern day Floralia Festivals are still
quite an event all over Europe. In Florence, Italy this
modern day festival coincides with the wine harvest.
The Celebration of Floralia" is
the result of my inspiration, gleaned from this lovely
painting, and is dedicated to Flora and the celebration of
her bounty. The bracelet is constructed in a series of
frames that hold a track of grape leaves and a pearl
embellishment. The frames are peyote stitch strips connected
to tubular peyote stitch bars of beadwork. The bars add
structure and end with pearl incrusted caps. The grape
leaves are constructed in a netting technique and peyote
stitch. A structural undercarriage addition helps to shape
the bracelet. "The Celebration of Floralia" ends in two
beaded buttons and beaded loops. |
