Born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445 – 1510) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance. He worked in Florence under the patronage of the Medici family and their circle.
Botticelli's style is characterized by its graceful lines, delicate figures, and a sense of ethereal beauty and melancholy. He often depicted mythological subjects with allegorical meanings, but also painted religious themes with a distinct emotional depth.
His works are celebrated for their exquisite draughtsmanship, harmonious compositions, and the idealized, yet profoundly human, portrayal of his subjects.
Key Artistic Contributions
Botticelli's genius lay in his ability to blend classical inspiration with contemporary Florentine sensibilities. He was a master of linear grace, creating figures that seemed to float and move with an almost otherworldly elegance.
Notable Works
The Birth of Venus
Circa 1484-1486
Primavera
Circa 1470s-1480s
The Annunciation
Circa 1485-1490
Portrait of a Man with a Medal of Cosimo the Elder
Circa 1475
The Adoration of the Magi
Circa 1475-1476
Influence and Legacy
While Botticelli's fame waned after his death, his works were rediscovered in the 19th century and greatly admired for their beauty and unique style, influencing artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and beyond. His iconic works like "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" remain enduring symbols of the Renaissance and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.