“Birth of Venus” was the magnum opus created by a man who is mostly known by his nickname rather than a real name. Alessandro Filipepi, aka Botticelli, was one of the greatest Old Masters of the past, whose legacy pierced time and became an example of the high aesthetics of the Renaissance era. Despite his popularity, there are a lot of uncovered mysteries regarding the Italian master. Let’s get a closer look at the life of Sandro Botticelli.

Sandro Botticelli: Curious Facts About the Renaissance Master

His love story is confusing

There is so little known about the artist’s love of life and his personal preferences. It might be useful information, considering how beautiful his characters are. Some rumors say that he was gay, but there is no evidence to prove that. The “official” version is that he was hopelessly in love with Simonetta Cattaneo, the woman that the painter allegedly depicted in the “Birth of Venus.”

Filippo Lippi was his teacher

Sandro Botticelli was an apprentice of Filippo Lippi, another prominent artist of that Italian Renaissance. He was among those trailblazers who practiced linear perspective in his artworks. Experts assume that the boy’s skills and techniques were much influenced by the reputable teacher who helped the young master feel the aesthetics.

Relationships with Medici Family

It was Filippo Lippi who introduced Filipepi to Medici Family. Botticelli was offered a space for his own studio inside the palace by Lorenzo de Medici. Since then, the artist has created a lot of masterpieces on requests from family members. In fact, Lorenzo “the Magnificent” de Medici was the biggest fan and patron of Botticelli’s works.

Late appreciation

According to the biographer Giorgio Vasari, the painter was impoverished and disabled in his last years. Other sources claim that he was quite prosperous at the of the day. What is true, though, is that he had ill health. After his death, his fame faded away pretty quickly and bounced back again at the beginning of the 19th century.

Botticelli spent all his life in one place

Some people cannot stay in one place for a month, but it is not about the distinguished Botticelli. He was buried in the Ognissanti Church in Florence, a neighborhood where he lived all his life.

These days, Sandro Botticelli is justifiably considered one of the most influential and valuable Renaissance masters, whereas his artworks are the apex of beauty in post-medieval art.