Sandro Botticelli’s iconic painting The Birth of Venus was created in the late 15th century and depicts the mythological origin of the goddess Aphrodite (known also as Venus, the goddess of love and sex), who was born an adult woman from sea foam. Although this myth was very popular with artists beginning in the 16th century, Botticelli’s painting, which was likely commissioned by the powerful Medici family of Florence, remains the most famous depiction.



Howard Schatz marries the original painting and a newly-cast (and attired) Venus. Todd Oldham’s embroided coat mirrors the patterned cloak offered to Venus and highlights the blush roses in the painting. Roses were said to be created when Aphrodite’s tears mingled with her lover Adonis’s blood when he was injured.