I have been wondering how complicated Botticelli's deep feelings must have been when he painted this painting.

This is actually Preti's favorite painting of Simonetta by Botticelli.

The painting is about the theme of Mars and Venus, but behind the painting there is another story.

Many years ago, I went to The National Gallery in London for this painting.

Not for the Van Eyck mystical portrait of Mr. And Mrs. Arnolfini,

Nor is it Da Vinci's Madonna of the Rocks, but this Simonetta by Sandro.

Mars was based on Giuliano, the son of the Medici family.

The dashing, luxurious Lorenzo's brother, Sandro's best friend, and Simonetta's lover.

So, it's probably hard to imagine that the goddess Sandro spent his life painting, the object of love, but cannot express love, can only silently watching her become someone else's wife and lover, will be what kind of feelings.

Simonetta's ruddy, thin face, tender expression, what could be in the distance?

Did she know that she was the model for the mythological goddesses that Sandro spent his life drawing?

He never married, and even asked to be buried in the church where Simonetta had been placed, silently guarding her.

The stories behind the paintings are fascinating.

Preti was fascinated by the painter's portrayal of Simonetta.

So #PretiJewelry has created a collection dedicated to Simonatta, the most beautiful goddess of Renaissance Jewelry.

To share with you. The most extraordinary story behind the paintings.

Preti's original article

Image source: Part taken at The National Gallery@London, part online