Born Alessandro di Filipepi in Florence, Botticelli began studying painting in the studio of Fra Filippo Lippi. Like Lippi, Botticelli was accomplished at both frescoes and panel paintings. The artist's paintings reflect a thorough knowledge of Classical works and were revered for their combination of contemporary Florentine style and Classical prototypes.
Throughout his lifetime, Botticelli was held in high esteem and enjoyed the patronage of the powerful Medici court, the ruling family of Florence. The Medici interests in Platonic philosophy and Classical themes provided an opportunity for Botticelli to explore mythological subjects as well as traditional religious themes. The...
