While MOA originally assisted with its acquisition and installation, this artwork is not formally owned by the museum. However, the museum believes in passing on the knowledge and history it has about this artwork in Greenwood Plaza for the education and enlightenment of all.

Artist: Emilio Martelli
Year: 1984
Dates: b.1913, Florence, Italy
Materials: Scagliola on Panel
Dimensions: 7′ x 12′

About Birth Of Venus

This is a reproduction of Sandro Botticelli’s (1445-1510) Birth of Venus (1485). Continuing to classicize poetry, Botticelli depicts Zephyr, the god of wind, carrying a nymph. He pushes Venus ashore towards the personification of Spring. Although Botticelli draws upon similar allegories, his complex compositions reveal uniquely different perspectives. The scagliola process uses a mixture of marble dust, crushed shells, and minerals to fill and color on engraved stone surfaces.

This artwork is now on view in the Madden Museum of Art (University of Denver) Vault Room.