A new study proposes a potential cause of death for Simonetta Vespucci, the woman widely believed to have been the inspiration for Sandro Botticelli’s iconic painting, “The Birth of Venus.” Vespucci died at the young age of 23 in 1476, and the reason for her death has remained a historical mystery for over five centuries. Researchers now suggest a tumor located on her pituitary gland may be responsible. The findings offer a possible explanation for historical accounts describing Vespucci’s deteriorating health prior to her death, including headaches and vision problems. While the study doesn’t definitively prove the cause, it provides a compelling biological explanation. Further research may confirm these findings and finally resolve the long-standing enigma surrounding Vespucci’s untimely demise.