Sale of paintings by Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510), creator of one of the most famous works of the past, The Birth of Venus, was a prominent painter of the Florentine Renaissance and supporter of the Medici family. His aesthetic quest, illustrated by the creation of an ideal female model, is characterised by the influence of Neoplatonism and humanism. He was a pillar of classical culture, but like many Italian artists, he was sensitive to Flemish painting. Botticelli participated in some of the most important artistic projects of the time, including the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Sandro Botticelli (real name Filipepi) was born in Florence, Tuscany, in 1445. He came from a modest family of tanners. According to Giorgio Vasari, Botticelli's nickname is derived from the patronymic used by the first master he had, a goldsmith called Botticello. However, the origin of this name has been disputed. The precision that Botticelli acquired through his interaction with the goldsmith's profession would be invaluable for his drawings.

It was only at the age of 20, somewhat late, that Sandro was introduced to the studio of the painter of the Lippi monks, where he met other artists who were beginning their careers. After passing through Verrocchio's studio (like Leonardo da Vinci at the same time), Botticelli opened his own studio with the help of the Medici and began accepting commissions. His work was mainly devoted to iconography for religious purposes and the creation of portraits for wealthy patrons. At the end of his life, the artist faced serious financial difficulties and stopped working. He died in Florence in 1510 at the age of 65.