Renaissance

Sandro Botticelli Botticelli, a Florentine painter, was one of the most distinctive and popular of Renaissance artists. Apprenticed to Filippo Lippi, he developed a highly personalized style taking Filippo Lippi's linear approach to new heights of gracefulness. His work was elegantly executed with a rich language of sometimes highly personal and melancholy gesture. By 1480 Botticelli had is own workshop with assistants. He spent almost all of his life working for the great families of Florence, …

…is still a mystery. These pieces display a more informal approach by the artist and convey a more affectionate atmosphere, with a quite enchanting and harmonious use of color. Botticelli's linear style was out of date by the time he died. His reputation was revived however, in the second half of the 19th century, when his female figures were a major influence on the Pre-Raphaelites and his flowing line was an inspiration for Art Nouveau.