Simonetta is again the central figure, and never did Botticelli paint more exquisitely than here.

Her bosom is the prettiest in Florence; the lining of her robe over her right arm has such green and blue and gold as never were seen elsewhere; her golden sandals are delicate as gossamer.

Over her head a little cupid hovers, directing his arrow at Mercury, on the extreme left, beside the three Graces.
In Mercury, who is touching the trees with his caduceus and bidding them burgeon, some see Giuliano de' Medici, who was not yet betrothed.

But when the picture was painted both Giuliano and Simonetta were dead: Simonetta first, of consumption, in 1476, and Giuliano, by stabbing in 1478.

Lorenzo, who was at Pisa during Simonetta's illness, detailed his own physician for her care.