venus

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) – Lassare il velo o per sole o per ombra / Lady, I have never seen you

Emile Lévy, Venus and Cupid, 1862 Lady, I have never seen you put aside your veil for sun or for shadow since you knew the great desire in me that lightens my heart of all other wishes. While I carried my lovely thoughts hidden (with desire they are bringing death into my heart) I saw …

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) – Lassare il velo o per sole o per ombra / Lady, I have never seen you Read More »

Sappho (Saffo)- O mia Gongila / I beg you, Gongyla

Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, c. 1485 Come back again, I beg you, Gongyla. Reveal yourself in your garment  white as milk; o what desire  forever around you, my lovely girl. This charming garment stirs her  who beholds you, for she who expresses  this reproach to you is the goddess herself  Cyprus-born, whom now …

Sappho (Saffo)- O mia Gongila / I beg you, Gongyla Read More »