Sandro Botticelli was one of the greatest painters of the Florentine Renaissance. His Birth of Venus and Primavera are often said to epitomize for modern viewers the spirit of the Renaissance.

Sandro Botticelli was one of the first artists in the history of Western art, following its Christianization, who dared to suggest that art did not necessarily have to be religious.

Influenced by the revival of Greek and Roman ideas in Florence at the time, Botticelli was one of the first Western artists since classical times to depict non-religious subject matter. The idea that art could be for pleasure, and not only serve religious purposes was a breakthrough for Western art.

Sandro Botticelli, The "Chief Framer", Head of a Youth Wearing a Cap; a Right Forearm with the Hand Clutching a Stone; and a Left Hand Holding a Drapery, 1480/1485, metalpoint heightened with white gouache on mauve prepared paper, Woodner Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1991.190.1.a

Sandro Botticelli changed art history in 15th century Italy. Here's why the Renaissance artist is important.

Florence artist Sandro Botticelli was arguably the best Humanist artist of the Early Renaissance Era, despite the fact that much of his history and inspirations are still obscure to us even in the present.

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.