The Mystic Nativity, By Botticelli

When analyzing artwork, regardless if it is historical, social, cultural, religious and or political. Art is created by the interpretation of the artist. The history behind a painting does not always need to be revealed in order to fully grasp the concept of what the artist was thinking when creating this painting. However, it is helpful in understanding the artwork’s true honest representation of the culture which the artist lived. The traditions and beliefs help us identify a particular group of people. Although in analyzing specific artwork it is likely that there is a factor to take into consideration such as the historical/religious setting of when the artwork was made, cultural geography and societal movements during that time. Art is a form of communication. As with each type of communication, artists may use it to raise certain emotions, political problems and or change during that era. It can even portray aspects of society in a good or bad light. Religious art uses religion to inspire and push an idea in order to illustrate it in a real form. It can also provide a spiritual connection with believers. An example of religious art is from Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Madonna, and Child dated from 1290 to 1300. This painting gives a sense of

It would not have appealed to everyone. The “Mystic Nativity” also by Botticelli dated from 1445 to 1510. These two paintings are completely different due to the turmoil during that time. People believed they would suffer hardships in addition to terrible disasters from God. Botticelli depicted this painting through a time of pain and suffering. His painting represented the birth as well as the return of God. There are many religious aspects such as the Sienese gold, God parent’s (Mary and Joseph) as well as the angels. This demonstrates how society can sway an artist’s direction with his art by how society viewed the