Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter and draughtsman of the Early Renaissance, best known for works such as *The Birth of Venus* and *Primavera*.

Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter and draughtsman of the Early Renaissance, best known for works such as *The Birth of Venus* and *Primavera*. Born in Florence and active in the 15th century, he became one of the most admired artists of his time. His reputation declined after his death but revived in the 19th century. Botticelli is widely studied in Canadian art history, humanities, and museum education, and his works are often reproduced in textbooks and exhibition materials for Canadian audiences.

Early life and training

Botticelli was born in Florence around 1445 under the name Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi. Sources say he may have trained as a goldsmith before apprenticing with Fra Filippo Lippi.

Career in Florence and Rome

By the 1470s, Botticelli had developed a distinctive style and was established as a master in Florence. In 1481 he worked with other Florentine and Umbrian artists on frescoes for the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Major works

Botticelli is especially known for mythological paintings such as *The Birth of Venus*, *Primavera*, *Pallas and the Centaur*, and *Venus and Mars*. He also produced many religious paintings and portraits.

Legacy

Botticelli’s reputation declined after his lifetime but revived strongly in the 19th century. He is now regarded as one of the most esteemed painters of the Italian Renaissance.