Sandro Botticelli is considered one of the greatest painters of the Florentine Renaissance. Secure under the patronage of the Medicis, his seemingly weightless figures are charmingly graceful and open the world of ideal beauty to us. Beginning his career in the pre-Renaissance era, Botticelli’s art is poised between two systems and two worldviews. He understands the realism of the human body that is built, according to Renaissance ideas, on the basis of antique sculptures. But he is also close to the mystical, symbolic worldview of medieval art. He immortalizes the intellectual concepts of humanism in his works and translates the philosophical ideas of his epoch into the language of art. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo traces the life and times of Botticelli, from his rise as painter to the Medici bankers to his downfall as a devoted follower of fiery Savonarola.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
Upcoming Fridays at Noon Programs
Patron Information
- If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
- Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
- View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
