Adoration of the Magi

Sandro Botticelli

Adoration of the Magi
c.1485-86
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
Photographed by Team C004570
Sandro Botticelli, real name Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, was born in 1445 in Florence. He became one of the leading artists of the Florentine Renaissance and produced such paintings as The Birth of Venus. He was thought of as the "most individual, if not the most influential" artist during his time.

He worked with the painter Fra Filippo Lippi and Pollaiuolo and was influenced by Andrea del Verrocchio and Pollaiuolo. He was deep disturbed by the religious tensions that were beginning to take place, and was thought to be "neurotic" because of it. By 1470, he had his own workshop and painted portraits for the great families of Florence, including the Medici family.

His popularity continuously declined during the High Renaissance, while artists like Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci took over his spotlight. He held on to his less realistic, but emotional style, despite it's failing appreciation. Little of him was known after 1500, but we do know that he died in 1510.

©2000 Team C004570