Sandro Botticelli: Biography, Technique and Famous Works | Artblr
Sandro Botticelli: biography, life, famous artworks
From a Florentine goldbeater's son to a master of the Renaissance: the life, technique and greatest paintings of Sandro Botticelli, from The Birth of Venus to La Primavera.
Artblr··11 min read·
In short
Sandro Botticelli was a major painter of the Florentine Renaissance, trained under Filippo Lippi and supported by the Medici family. A master of linear perspective and colour, he painted The Birth of Venus and La Primavera, both held at the Uffizi Gallery.
Early life
One of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance period is Sandro Botticelli. Sandro Botticelli biography begins with his early life in Via Borgo Ognissanti, a street in Florence that remains till this day. While it is unclear about how many siblings this great painter had, it is a known fact that he was the youngest of all the children of his father to stay alive until maturity. His year of birth is also speculative as there are no records that show his actual birth date. The father of this great artists is Mariano di Vanni d'Amedeo Filipepi and he specialized in making leather from animal skin. However, he soon abandoned this profession in 1460 for the more lucrative occupation as a beater of gold leaf.
His father’s newfound profession as a goldbeater was directly responsible for bringing Sandro closer to painters of the
. As a result, Botticelli was initially apprenticed to a seasoned goldsmith. Interestingly, this great artist is believed to be one of the Renaissance painters who underwent an extensive apprenticeship. Sandro grew up in a moderate neighbourhood with people from different strata of society. While the neighbourhood was majorly comprised of the working class, there were affluent households as well.
Based on historical records, it is believed that Sandro Botticelli is one of the Renaissance artists that underwent an extensive apprenticeship. While it is speculated that he began training at the age of 14, it is said that he received his earliest training as a goldsmith. Following his training in this field, Sandro was still not passionate about being a goldsmith and indicated his interest in being a painter. This led his father to place him under the tutelage of Filippo Lippi, who happens to be a celebrated Florentine master.
Skill and technique
Birth of Venus by Botticelli
Image via www.italianrenaissance.org
The skill and technique that was adopted by Botticelli could be described as an undiluted form of Florentine renaissance. Under the tutelage of Filippo Lippi, Botticelli gained mastery of painting frescos and panel painting. Botticelli renaissance art is such that adopts the use of Linear perspective extensively. This style of painting is such that creates an impression of depth on a flat surface.
This artistic technique involved the application of horizontal lines, parallel lines and the use of a vanishing point in the creation of captivating and robust art. Most of the artworks created by this great artist involved the use of the linear technique. It is believed that this technique of painting emerged in the early 15th century and was pioneered by Filippo Brunelleschi. Botticelli was also known for the creative application of hue and colour to his artwork.
He adopted the use of hue and colour in the creation of many fascinating artworks. Just like many artists of his time, he specialized in religious-themed paintings and frescos. As was the case with most artists of the renaissance period, Botticelli had many early works before he matured into creating some of his most famous artworks. His style of painting was renowned as one of the best of his era. The intricate use of colours like red, white and yellow lead, malachite, verdigris, ultramarine, cinnabar, carbon black and more helped him create a distinctive style that was exquisitely stunning.
His gentle use of brush strokes was such that created paintings that seemed somehow transparent. With the adoption of a linear approach, he was able to create an impression of incredible depth. In respect to his technique while painting panels, he adopted the use of gesso coating extensively. This wasn’t uncommon as this was the standard practice when handling a panel artwork at the time. One thing that was particularly fascinating about his use of colours is the fact that he could create the effect of lighting in a very persuasive and believable way.
Early works
Madonna and Child with Six Saints
Image via https://thearkofgrace.com/
Sacra conversazione is one of the earliest works of this great artist. Most of the paintings at the time were often on religious subjects or for religious patrons and sacra conversazione is one of them. This painting is an altarpiece that features as much as eight characters. Although the painting has depreciated over time, its present condition reveals that Botticelli had a great mastery of painting. He was able to create a balance and harmony between all of the characters in one single painting. This painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus being circled by saints demonstrated that Botticelli was great at positioning characters in a painting.
While he had mainly religious patrons, Botticelli was also a painter for wealthy families as well. One prominent family that was a patron of Botticelli’s works is the Medici family. Throughout his early career, Botticelli painted many portraits for members of the Medici family. The Adoration of the Magi for Santa Maria Novella is one of his greatest works to date. And it was created early during his career. During the period of 1470-72, the painting known as Pala di Sant'Ambrogio was created. This painting showed the Virgin Mary is surrounded by six saints. This painting was one of the earliest works of Botticelli. Other of his early works include St. Sebastian, 1474, Madonna with Lilies and Eight Angels, c. 1478, and Fresco Saint Augustine, Ognissanti, 1480.
Secular works
Portrait of Esmeralda Brandini
Portrait of Giuliano de' Medici
Image via https://wikimedia.org/
Image via wikimedia.org
Botticelli was known to create many paintings that were not religious. In fact, it is believed that his secular paintings were one of the earliest forms of non-religious paintings of the renaissance era. Some of his non-religious paintings were portraits made for the powerful Medici family. In addition to such paintings, one of his other celebrated secular artworks includes Sandro Botticelli birth of Venus. It is almost impossible to explore the origins of secular renaissance art without mentioning Sandro Botticelli.
Secularism in renaissance art began to emerge as an inclination towards the appreciation of human achievement and aspirations. Botticelli renaissance art was such that catered to both religious and secular paintings. The Portrait of a Young Woman, Portrait of a Man with a Medal of Cosimo the Elder, Portrait of Esmeralda Brandini, The Discovery of the Body of Holofernes, Fortitude, Portrait of a Young Man, and the Portrait of Dante were some of his many secular works. Venus and Mars is one of his most famous artworks in the secular category.
Religious paintings
The Resurrected Christ
Image via https://www.dia.org/
Religious paintings were very popular during the Renaissance period as most paintings were designed for monasteries and churches. The Adoration of the Magi, a subject he painted several times, is one of his most celebrated religious artworks. One version dates from around 1500, and it focuses on the nativity of the Saviour as well as the symbolism of the gifts he was presented at birth.
His other religious works include Three Miracles of St. Zenobius, Mystic Crucifixion, The Mystical Nativity, The Descent of the Holy Ghost, The Virgin and Child, St. John and an Angel, The Virgin and Child with Four Angels and Six Saints, Vision of St. Augustine, The Resurrected Christ, The Annunciation, Madonna in Glory with Seraphim, Madonna and Child with St. John the Baptist, Madonna and Child, Madonna with Child and many more. However, his most revered achievement is the series of frescoes he painted on the walls of the Sistine Chapel.
Late works
The Story of Virginia
Image via wikipedia.org
While Botticelli enjoyed a flourishing career, his passion for painting was derailed by a preacher known as Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola. His new found passion drained him of his time and drive for the creation of artworks. Consequently, he suffered serious financial setbacks and became broke in his old age. However, he refused to give up his fervent commitment to the sect.
The extent of influence of this sect and its preachings on Botticelli was such that, according to tradition, he personally destroyed some of the secular paintings that he created through painstaking effort and creativity. While this is merely speculative, The Mystical Nativity is probably the last painting created by the great Renaissance artist. This painting is said to have been created one year and six months after the demise of Savonarola.
By the early 16th century, Botticelli painted very little, and most of his late works date from the 1490s and the very first years of the 1500s. The story of Virginia and The Story of Lucretia were some of his impressive works that were created during the end of his professional career. While it is uncertain whether he was still a sought-after artist in the early 16th century, his creations from the late 15th to the early 16th century were his last works.
Most famous artworks
La Primavera
La Primavera
Image via http://www.italianrenaissance.org
La Primavera is a famous painting by the great artist that was completed in 1482. The painting is a metaphorical depiction of spring and features mythical entities in a garden. The painting is such that depicts the spring season. Venus is the character that is placed in the middle of the lush grasslands as a pointer the rejuvenating and fertile nature of the season.
Sandro Botticelli Primavera is a gigantic tempera painting that features a lot of mythical entities. While there are diverse interpretations for this painting, it is widely believed that this painting is an elaborate depiction of the thriving fruitfulness of the world. The Primavera which is said to be reflective of spring is currently located in the Uffizi Gallery.
The adoration of the magi
Adoration of the magi
Image via https://sandrobotticellibelmonthonors.weebly.com
The adoration of the magi is one painting that reinforces the reputation of this great artist. While it was commissioned by Gaspare del Lama, a banker close to the Medici family, this painting is centred on an important religious subject. The creation of this artwork is speculated to span through 1475 to 1476. It showcased the presentation of gifts to Jesus and captures the symbolism of the gifts as well. Several of the figures are believed to be members of the Medici family, and the young man on the far right, looking out at the viewer, is often thought to be Botticelli himself.
Chart of Hell
Chart of hell
Image via https://www.artbible.info/
Chart of Hell is an illustration on parchment centred on a religious theme, and it offers one of the most impressive depictions of Dante’s Inferno. It gives a vivid representation of the descent of Dante and Virgil through the circles of Hell, and an intense representation of their hellish journey.
Mars and Venus
Mars and Venus
Image via http://www.sandro-botticelli.com/mars-and-venus.jsp
Mars and Venus is one of his most famous artworks and it depicts Venus and Mars sitting right next to each other. However, this depiction is such that shows Venus being awake while Mars was fast asleep. The symbolism of the painting is aimed at showing that Love conquers wars. Venus, the goddess of love, is seen awake, while Mars, the god of war, is fast asleep.
Madonna of the Magnificat
Madonna of the Magnificat
Image via https://en.wikipedia.org/
Madonna of the Magnificat is another painting that could be described as a respected painting of Botticelli. This painting which appears in a circular form is such that shows the Mary painted in gold. From the rays to the hair, the details were painted in gold, and it stands as one of the most expensive paintings ever made by Botticelli.
Fortitude
Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci by Botticelli
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Image via https://www.wikiart.org/
Sandro Botticelli’s Fortitude is one painting that has widespread appeal. This painting is part of a series of seven panels intended to adorn the high chair backs in a tribunal hall. It personifies Fortitude, one of the seven virtues that a Christian should have.
There are many experts that argue that this portrait is that of Simonetta Vespucci who is a young noblewoman that was believed to be prettiest in Florence at the time. However, the Idealized Portrait of a lady is one of the best works of this great artist. The elaborate adornments and all of the ribbons, beads, and feathers are some of the features that make it abundantly clear that the lady was from the upper strata of the society.
Influence on Renaissance art
The Descent of the Holy Ghost
Image via https://artuk.org/
Botticelli is an artist that created many impressive renaissance arts that are admired to date. This great artist is one of the most respected visual artists of the Renaissance era. His mastery in painting was such that made most of his fantasy artworks very realistic and believable. Through linear perspective, he was able to create artworks that are stunning and unbelievably beautiful.
While he created a good number of impressive paintings throughout his professional career, there are some paintings that stood out from the rest and earned him a place as one of the most revered artists of the renaissance era. While the revered status of some of these paintings require explaining others have an incontestable reputation. One of such paintings that put Botticelli renaissance art at the forefront is Sandro Botticelli birth of Venus. Created around 1484–1486, this painting combines classical Greek mythology with the Italian Renaissance.
Given that Botticelli handled many paintings for the Medici family, it is believed that this painting was commissioned by them as well. However, this is a mere speculation. The painting shows a newborn goddess Venus at the seashore. The goddess who stands naked at the seashore is welcomed by a host of other Hellenistic gods. Zephyr, who seems to be carrying a nymph, blows wind at her.
To the right of the seashore stands a figure sometimes identified as Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees and orchards. This work in tempera on canvas reflects his mastery of painting and use of colours. Like many Renaissance artists, Botticelli welcomed new painting techniques, as his use of tempera grassa clearly demonstrates.
Botticelli’s contributions to the Renaissance are embodied in his contribution to the Sistine Chapel and his unique painting style. Botticelli renaissance art saw the creation a lot of mythological works and demonstrated an unrivaled mastery of Linear perspective. He will forever be remembered for his Sistine Chapel frescoes and The Birth of Venus which currently sits in the Uffizi Gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sandro Botticelli's teacher?
After early training as a goldsmith, Botticelli was placed by his father under the tutelage of Filippo Lippi, a celebrated Florentine master. With him, he mastered fresco and panel painting.
What are Botticelli's most famous paintings?
His best-known works include The Birth of Venus, La Primavera, The Adoration of the Magi, Mars and Venus and the Madonna of the Magnificat.
Where can you see Botticelli's The Birth of Venus?
The Birth of Venus is held at the Uffizi Gallery, as is La Primavera.
What painting technique did Botticelli use?
Botticelli made extensive use of linear perspective, with horizontal and parallel lines and a vanishing point, to create an impression of depth. For his panels he used gesso coating and worked notably in tempera.
Why did Botticelli stop painting late in life?
Under the influence of the Dominican preacher Savonarola, Botticelli lost the time and drive to paint. He suffered serious financial setbacks and is said to have personally destroyed some of his secular paintings.
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