Sandro Botticelli

Biography

Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, known as Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445–1510), was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, celebrated for his graceful figures, mythological subjects, and exquisite use of line and composition. Born in Florence, Italy, Botticelli trained as an apprentice under Fra Filippo Lippi, which influenced his refined style and attention to delicate detail.

Botticelli’s work is characterized by elegance, flowing lines, and a poetic approach to both religious and mythological themes. His most famous paintings, The Birth of Venus (c. 1484–1486) and Primavera (c. 1482), depict classical mythology with an ethereal quality, combining symbolic meaning with naturalistic forms. He also produced significant religious works, including Adoration of the Magi and numerous Madonna paintings.

While his popularity declined toward the end of his life, Botticelli’s work profoundly influenced later generations of artists. He died in Florence in 1510, leaving a legacy as one of the most iconic painters of the Early Renaissance, renowned for his beauty, harmony, and imaginative compositions.