Botticelli

By Tyler Chinappi

Early Life
Born Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, on March 1, 1445 in Florence, Italy. He is best known as Sandro Botticelli or just Botticelli meaning little barrel. A nickname given to him by his older brother.

Apprenticeship & Training

Botticelli was originally trained as a goldsmith by his brother, Antonio. He was later apprenticed to the painter Fra Filippo Lippi for two years.
Self-Portrait of Lippi

His Earliest Dated Work

In 1470, Botticelli created his first dated painting, named Fortitude. His early style placed importance on human figure and changed the appearance of muscular energy and physical action.

His subjects are displayed as thoughtful and melancholy.

A Florentine Master
By 1470, Botticelli was master of his own workshop in Florence. His patrons were the wealthy and powerful Medici family. Botticellis artistic and financial highpoint began in the late 1470s and was reached during the 1480s.

Adoration of the Magi

1475, his painting, Adoration of the Magi, includes portraits of several of the Medici family as well as a self-portrait. Botticelli is the brown-dressed figure, standing in the bottom right hand corner

Primavera - 1478

Botticellis characteristic style is different from other artists

His focus is on the linear design

Figures are modeled in a poetic, decorative and expressive depiction

Botticelli and the Sistine Chapel

Botticellis fame was confirmed when Pope Sixtus IV summoned him to Rome in 1481. Along with other great Renaissance artists, Botticelli would contribute 3 frescoes to the decoration of the Sistine Chapel.

Detail from Botticellis

Scenes From the Life of Moses

The Birth of Venus

Painted in 1485 most famous Botticellis style is soft, tender colors, graceful, harmonious and flowing lines

An Iconic Image
The figure of Venus from this painting is one of the worlds most familiar images of beauty even today. Birth of Venus is so famous its considered the symbol of the Italian Renaissance One Big Thing

Father of Drawing
Sketches in high demand From 1480 1490, Botticelli worked on his drawings for the manuscript of Dantes Divine Comedy

A Follower of Savonarola
The Medici family surrendered Florence after the French invade in 1494. Dominican Monk Girolama Savonarola led Florence for four years. His fiery rule tried to rid Florence of anything corrupt or immoral 1497: Bonfire of the Vanities the destruction of books and art including Botticellis works!

Late Works
Savonarola was ultimately hanged and burned by the people of Florence - 1498. However, the religious zeal that he sparked in Botticelli remained with him and is evident in his later works. His work transformed from decorative to more religious and dramatic
Savonarolas execution (Anon)

Late Works The Mystic Nativity

Botticellis deep religious

conviction is evident in this painting.

But never truly changes his linear style.

Advanced Years
1504 he was a member of the committee appointed to decide where Michelangelos David would be placed. After falling of out favor, Botticelli painted very little in his remaining life, eventually giving up work altogether. He never married or had children. In the end, he had little money and property On May 17, 1510, he died forgotten, ailing and alone.

Botticelli
Botticellis fame was forgotten until the late 19th century From 1900-1920, more books published about Botticelli than any other painter Father of Drawing Greatest Master of linear design Initiator of the emergence of the Italian Renaissance from the Middle Ages Reputation today is as one of the greatest painters of all time