Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Sandro Botticelli
Early Days:
Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, better known as Sandro Botticelli or Il Botticello ("The Little Barrel"; c. 1445– May 17, 1510) was an Italian painter of the Florentine school during the Early Renaissance (Quattrocento). Less than a hundred years later, this movement, under the patronage of Lorenzo de' Medici, was characterized by Giorgio Vasari as a "golden age", a thought, suitably enough, he expressed at the head of his Vita of Botticelli. His posthumous reputation suffered until the late 19th century; since then his work has been seen to represent the linear grace of Early Renaissance painting, and The Birth of Venus and Primavera rank now among the most familiar masterpieces of Florentine art.
Botticelli received his early artistic training as an apprentice to the goldsmith Fra Filippo Lippi. Under Lippi's tutelage, Botticelli learned the techniques of the Florentine school and honed his skills in drawing and composition. His apprenticeship laid the groundwork for the distinctive style that would later define his paintings.
In the 1470s, Botticelli established his own workshop in Florence and began receiving commissions from influential patrons. One of his notable early works is "Fortitude," part of a series depicting the Seven Virtues. Even in these early paintings, Botticelli demonstrated a keen sense of grace, proportion, and a meticulous attention to detail.
However, it was with the commission of "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" that Botticelli reached the height of his artistic prowess. Completed around 1482, these masterpieces are emblematic of the ideals and aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance.
"The Birth of Venus" depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, standing on a scallop shell. The painting, characterized by its harmonious composition, ethereal figures, and mythological theme, is a celebration of beauty, love, and classical ideals. Botticelli's use of flowing lines, delicate colors, and idealized forms evokes a sense of timeless elegance.
"Primavera," also known as "Allegory of Spring," is a complex and allegorical composition featuring mythological figures such as Venus, Cupid, and the Three Graces. The painting is a celebration of spring, love, and fertility. The lush garden setting, the interplay of figures, and the intricate symbolism showcase Botticelli's ability to infuse his paintings with layers of meaning and beauty.
Botticelli's art is characterized by a fascination with classical mythology, a deep understanding of human anatomy, and a commitment to creating compositions that embody harmony and balance. His figures are often elongated, graceful, and possess an otherworldly quality that transcends mere representation.
While Botticelli's career flourished during the Renaissance, the shifting cultural and religious climate of the late 15th century led to a decline in his popularity. The influence of the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola, who denounced secular and classical art, affected Botticelli deeply. In response to Savonarola's sermons, Botticelli is believed to have burned several of his own works, and he shifted towards a more religious and didactic style.
In his later years, Botticelli's output decreased, and his once-flourishing workshop faced financial difficulties. He passed away in 1510, leaving behind a body of work that would later be rediscovered and revered during the 19th-century revival of interest in Renaissance art.
Botticelli's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His paintings have become iconic symbols of the Renaissance, and his influence can be seen in later artists such as the Pre-Raphaelites. The timeless beauty, poetic quality, and mythological richness of his works continue to captivate audiences and inspire admiration for the artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance. Botticelli's ability to capture the spirit of his time while infusing his art with enduring universal themes ensures his place as one of the greatest painters in the history of Western art.
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Personal Details
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Works Of Sandro Botticelli:
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