Botticelli: Visual Poet of the Renaissance

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

• April 2: Mantua
• April 16: All Roads Lead to Rome Part I
• April 30: All Roads Lead to Rome Part II

Patron Information

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*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.