Researchers associated with Queen Mary, University of London say the woman portrayed by Sandro Botticelli in “The Birth of Venus” (c. 1485–1486) may have had a medical condition affecting her eyes. The claim focuses on Simonetta Vespucci, a historical figure often identified as the painting’s model. The researchers argue that Vespucci could have had a brain tumour that led to a squint, which they connect to the “wonky” or asymmetrical appearance of the painted eye.
The articles present the idea as a scientific interpretation of features in the artwork rather than as direct medical documentation of Vespucci’s health. They do not provide additional corroborating details beyond the attribution to the Queen Mary researchers and the proposed link between a tumour and strabismus. Overall, the sources describe the same central claim—that the model’s eye alignment in the painting may reflect an eye condition potentially caused by a brain tumour—while remaining tied to an interpretation of an existing portrait rather than confirmed historical medical records.
