Sandro Botticelli

About the Author

Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510) was a preeminent Florentine painter of the Early Renaissance, renowned for his graceful depictions of mythological and religious subjects that blended classical antiquity with Christian iconography. Born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi in Florence, he apprenticed under Fra Filippo Lippi and later joined the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, where he honed his distinctive linear style and mastery of tempera on panel. Patronized by the powerful Medici family, Botticelli's works adorned their villas and chapels, capturing the humanist spirit of the Quattrocento. His masterpieces, including the iconic 'Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera,' exemplify his ethereal figures, intricate details, and poetic elegance, influencing generations of artists. Though his fame waned after his death, the 19th-century revival cemented his legacy as a bridge between Gothic and High Renaissance art, with comprehensive collections like the Delphi Complete Works of Sandro Botticelli (Illustrated) (Masters of Art Book 20) preserving his enduring vision.