How does Alessandra from "The Birth of Venus", relates to the actual painting?

Answer 1

Like Botticelli's famous painting, from which this historical novel takes its title, THE BIRTH OF VENUS tells its story through layers of color and texture. Unlike other recent novels, it does not recreate the story behind the painting. Instead, the reference to Botticelli's masterpiece --- commissioned by Lorenzo de' Medici and depicting the mythological story of Venus being born from the sea --- is meant to symbolize the vibrancy of Renaissance Florence.

Alessandra is very interested in art and in not wanting do what her father expects of her. Knowledge (think "Enlightenment") is very important to her (as it was to Botticelli and the Renaissance), and she chose to not accept her fate (of the prearranged marriage), as Botticelli chose not to create a Roman Catholic designed work of art ("Birth" is FULL of pagan references).