This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. Modifications: This image derives from an image which also appears on this page. In this version intensity of the colouration has been lowered overall from the reproduction from which it was derived. The reason for so doing was that the entire colour scheme of that file had been intensified, (perhaps digitally, or perhaps by the process of reproduction) giving a quality to the image that is not in keeping with the work itself, or with the nature of the tempera medium. Once the colour intensity is slightly lowered, as per the main image here, the subtleties of colouration (ie. the fact that a number of different blue pigments have been used by the artist), and the subtleties of tonality (light and shade) become apparent. The detail throughout the entire work is thereby enhanced without any resort to digital "sharpening". The original can be viewed here: La nascita di Venere (Botticelli). jpg.