Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest painters of the Early Renaissance, was born in March 1445 in the city of Florence, Italy. His work became iconic for its depiction of beauty and mythological themes. Born as Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, Botticelli worked primarily in Florence and was influenced by the Medici family, under whom he produced some of his most famous works.

Botticelli's 'Primavera', completed around 1478, is among his most famous works and a prime example of Renaissance art's revival of classical mythology. The painting, believed to have been commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici, depicts a garden full of allegorical figures symbolizing themes of love and fertility. It is celebrated for its composition, use of color, and the beauty of its figures.

In 1480, Botticelli was commissioned to work on frescoes in the Villa Medici at Poggio a Caiano, known as the Palazzina della Meridiana. His work here, alongside others, contributed to the villa's reputation as a prime architectural feat and a hub of artistic innovation. These frescoes highlighted Botticelli's mastery of spatial composition and his contribution to the artistic and cultural patronage of the Medici.

In 1481, Sandro Botticelli was summoned to Rome to work on frescoes for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. This project was part of a larger effort by Pope Sixtus IV to adorn the chapel with the work of several prominent artists of the time. Botticelli's contribution includes the 'Temptations of Christ' and scenes from the life of Moses, showcasing his skill and prominence in Renaissance art.

The Birth of Venus is one of Sandro Botticelli's most famous paintings, completed in the early 1480s. This masterpiece depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea on a shell. The painting is celebrated for its beauty and use of mythology, capturing the Renaissance's fascination with classical antiquity. Commissioned by the Medici family, it remains a symbol of artistic achievement during this period.

In the late 1480s and early 1490s, Sandro Botticelli began an ambitious project to illustrate Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy'. Botticelli created numerous drawings for the text, some of which are magnificent despite remaining unfinished. This work illustrates Botticelli's deep engagement with literature and his skill in merging text and visual art. It remains one of the significant projects of his later years.

The influence of the monk Girolamo Savonarola in Florence during the 1490s deeply affected Botticelli. Savonarola's denunciation of secular art and culture led Botticelli to destroy some of his own paintings in the infamous 'Bonfire of the Vanities'. This period marked a dramatic spiritual and artistic shift for Botticelli, reflecting the broader social and religious upheavals occurring in Florence at the time.

Botticelli's 'The Mystical Nativity' is an enigmatic painting created around 1498. It is his only signed work and offers a unique interpretation of the birth of Jesus. The painting showcases both earthly and divine elements in a manner reflecting Botticelli's engagement with religious and theological questions. Known for its apocalyptic themes, it reflects the changing spiritual climate of Botticelli’s time.

Around 1502, Botticelli's career began to decline. He faced competition from younger artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and his style became less fashionable as artistic tastes shifted. Despite declining public interest, Botticelli continued to paint until his death, maintaining a workshop and creating smaller works. Unfortunately, many of these later works are lost or undocumented.

Sandro Botticelli died on May 17, 1510, in Florence, Italy. He was buried at the Church of Ognissanti. While greatly celebrated today for masterpieces such as 'The Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera', Botticelli's influence waned after his death as artistic tastes evolved. Recognition of his work revived in the 19th century, leading to the renowned reputation he enjoys in contemporary art history.