Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445 – 1510) was an Italian painter from the Florentine school during the Early Italian Renaissance. He is well known for his allegorical and mythological paintings, which often showcase a graceful, linear style and exquisite detail.
His work is characterized by its delicate beauty, harmonious compositions, and a profound sense of lyrical poetry. Botticelli’s unique style bridges the artistic traditions of the Late Gothic period with the burgeoning humanism of the Renaissance.
Biography and Style
Born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, he was nicknamed "Botticelli," meaning "little barrel." He apprenticed under Fra Filippo Lippi and later studied under Antonio Pollaiuolo, absorbing the anatomical precision and sculptural forms of his contemporaries. His association with the Medici family, particularly Lorenzo the Magnificent, provided him with patronage and access to classical texts and ideas that heavily influenced his thematic choices.
Botticelli’s mature style is marked by its elegant linearity, flowing drapery, and idealized figures. Unlike some of his peers who focused on scientific perspective and realistic anatomy, Botticelli often prioritized grace, beauty, and emotional expressiveness. His figures possess a distinctive wistful quality, often seeming lost in thought or contemplation.
Key Life Events
c. 1445
BirthBorn in Florence, likely to a family of leather workers. His father was Mariano di Vanni d'Ambrogio Filipepi.
c. 1462-1467
Apprenticeship with Fra Filippo LippiBegan his artistic training, developing a foundation in draughtsmanship and devotional painting.
c. 1470s
Independent WorkshopEstablished his own workshop, gaining commissions from prominent Florentine families, including the Vespucci and Medici.
c. 1481-1482
Sistine Chapel FrescoesOne of several Florentine artists invited to Rome to decorate the Sistine Chapel with frescoes, including "The Trials of Moses."
c. 1485-1486
The Birth of VenusPainted arguably his most famous work, a masterful depiction of the goddess Venus arriving at the shore.
c. 1480s-1490s
Prime of His CareerCreated many of his celebrated mythological and allegorical works, including "Primavera."
Late 1490s - Early 1500s
Religious Devotion and Girolamo SavonarolaInfluenced by the fiery sermons of Savonarola, Botticelli's work became more intensely spiritual and austere, moving away from mythological themes.
1510
DeathDied in Florence and was buried in the Church of Ognissanti.
Masterpieces
The Birth of Venus
Completed circa 1486. An iconic masterpiece depicting the goddess Venus emerging from the sea.
Primavera
Painted around 1482. A complex allegory filled with mythological figures in a lush garden setting.
Adoration of the Magi
Painted in 1475. Features a portrait of Cosimo de' Medici and his grandsons as the Magi.
Venus and Mars
Created between 1483 and 1484. Depicts the Roman gods Venus and Mars in a tender, yet playful, scene.
La Calunnia (Calumny of Apelles)
Painted circa 1495. A moralizing allegory inspired by the ancient Greek painter Apelles.
Legacy
Botticelli's influence waned slightly during his lifetime as artistic tastes shifted towards more monumental and dramatic styles. However, his work experienced a significant revival in the 19th century with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, who admired his lyrical beauty and imaginative qualities. Today, Botticelli is celebrated as one of the most distinctive and beloved artists of the Early Renaissance, whose works continue to captivate with their ethereal charm and profound symbolism.