Cinema & The Arts as Sermons: The Art of Florentine Painter & Draughtsman Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli
about 1445 - 1510
"At the height of his fame, the Florentine painter and draughtsman Sandro Botticelli was one of the most esteemed artists in Italy. His graceful pictures of the Madonna and Child, his altarpieces and his life-size mythological paintings, such as 'Venus and Mars', were immensely popular in his lifetime.
The son of a tanner, he was born Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, but he was given the nickname 'Botticelli' (derived from the word 'botticello' meaning 'small wine cask'). Smart beyond his years, the young Botticelli became easily bored at school. He was known for his sharp wit and his love of practical jokes, and he quickly earned a reputation as a restless, hyperactive and impatient child. Fortunately, his precocious talent was recognised and he was withdrawn from school and sent to work as an apprentice. It is thought that Botticelli first trained with Maso Finiguerra, a goldsmith, before entering the studio of the artist Fra Filippo Lippi. He began his career painting frescoes for Florentine churches and cathedrals, and worked with the painter and engraver Antonio del Pollaiuolo. By 1470, he had his own workshop.." from the National Gallery Website article: Sandro Botticelli about 1445 - 1510
Sandro Botticelli: Madonna of the Magnificat
Video from Seeing Art History
"This is an educational art history video exploring Sandro Botticelli’s Madonna of the Magnificat as an introduction to his art. It examines Botticelli’s art as a visualization of spiritual intimacy and divine blessing. Part of the Seeing Art History series, it is written and narrated by Dr. James Romaine." from video introduction