Sandro Botticelli
1445-1510
Sandro Botticelli was born in Florence, the son of a tanner. He served an apprenticeship with the painter Fra Filippo Lippi and worked with the painter and engraver Antonio del Pollaiuolo. Botticelli was also influenced by Andrea del Verrocchio.
Botticelli had his own workshop by 1470. He spent almost all of his life working for the great families of Florence, especially the Medici family, for whom he painted portraits.
Botticelli also painted religious subjects, especially panels of the Madonna. In 1481 Botticelli was one of several artists chosen to go to Rome to decorate the walls of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
Sandro Botticelli is considered one of the leading painters of the Florentine Renaissance.
