Under the aegis of the powerful Medici family, Sandro Botticelli (1444/45–1510) found himself in a position to achieve fame through a canon of secular and religious works, as well as his contributions to the iconic Sistine Chapel. However, after his death, his work remained in obscurity for about four hundred years, until the 19th century when he began to gain recognition in art history. Today, Botticelli is considered an imposing figure of the Florentine Early Renaissance. His secular works, such as The Birth of Venus and Primavera, are primarily understood as allegories of Spring and are among the most recognizable paintings in the world, glowing with subtle details, graceful lines, and their balance. His compositions are flowing yet balanced, with his figures being serene yet sensual. Notably, Venus is considered a historical icon of beauty: with white skin, delicate features, and a soft promise of fertility. This essential introduction presents the key works of Botticelli's artistic journey to understand the evolution of a Renaissance legend. Through the artist’s most famous mythological and allegorical scenes, as well as his brilliant religious works, we explore a perfection in figure, movement, and line that has inspired artists from Edgar Degas to Andy Warhol, René Magritte to Cindy Sherman.
