Although Botticelli is today one of the best loved artists of the 15th century, he died in virtual obscurity. Yet his art can be seen to encapsulate the cultural, religious and, indeed, political life of late 15th century Florence, from the scholarly circle of Lorenzo de' Medici to the mysticism of Savonarola.

This lecture will study the enigmatic works of this artist within the context of the life and times in which he worked.