Venus and Mars
Sandro Botticelli1485Tempera and oil on panel
Botticelli's horizontal panel painting of Venus watching the sleeping god of war is suffused with dreamy, pearl-like light. The palette of dove gray, cream, and pale gold is among the most delicate in Renaissance painting.
Color Mood
Sublimely delicate. The palette is all pearl, cream, and pale sage — colors of desire defused into pure aesthetic harmony. Botticelli at his most exquisitely refined.
National Gallery, London
Primary Colors
The dominant colors that define the overall mood and atmosphere of the work.
Secondary Colors
Supporting colors that add depth, contrast, and visual interest.
Tertiary Colors
Accent and detail colors that complete the composition.
renaissancepastelsoftmythologicalgray