Botticelli's signature style

Sandro Botticelli, original name Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi (1445 - May 17, 1510), was one of the greatest painters of the early Renaissance.

Botticelli was apprenticed to the famous Florentine artist Fra Filippo Lippi around 1461 - 1462. Botticelli might study with other master Renaissance painters like Antonio Pollaiuolo and Andrea del Verrocchio.

He started his career by painting frescoes for Florentine churches and cathedrals, and worked with the painter and engraver Antonio del Pollaiuolo. Around 1470 he set up his workshop in Florence and worked as an independent master.

Thanks to wealthy patrons like Medici, Botticelli received many important commissions. He painted religious and mythological scenes as well as secular portraits of the Florentine elite, some of which are considered the Renaissance movement's best achievements.

During his ascendant year, from 1481, Botticelli was summoned by the Pope to Rome to help decorate the walls of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

In this video, Frederick Ilchman, Chairman Art of Europe at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, discusses Botticelli's signature style. Join Frederick Ilchman to discover more about strong contours and transparent, flowing drapery in the 'Adoration of the Magi', 'Madonna of the Book', the 'Madonna della Loggia'.

The 'Adoration of the Magi'
Botticelli created this painting for the altar in Gaspare di Zanobi del Lama's chapel in Santa Maria Novella around 1475. It depicts the Biblical story of the Three Magi following a star to find the newborn Jesus.

The 'Madonna of the Book'
This piece is a small painting that is executed in tempera on a panel. The painting dates from 1480 to 1481. It depicts Mary and Christ child seated by a window in the corner of a room.

The 'Madonna della Loggia'
The painting is a tempera on-panel painting, dating to c. 1467. This is one of the earliest works of Botticelli that depicts Mary and Christ child.