Botticelli's Secret: The Lost Drawings and the Rediscovery of the Renaissance

Sandro Botticelli was commissioned by a member of the Medici family to illustrate all one hundred cantos of The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. The project remained unfinished after a lifetime of creating masterpieces, but the rediscovery of his Dante drawings in the nineteenth century brought scholars and art lovers to their knees. The drawings embodied everything the Renaissance had come to mean, and Botticelli's art helped bring it about.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Five hundred years ago, a humble painter named Sandro Botticelli emerged onto the art scene in Florence. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft propelled him to become a shining star in the city's artistic community. Botticelli's remarkable journey began when he was commissioned by a prominent member of the powerful Medici family to illustrate all one hundred cantos of Dante Alighieri's renowned masterpiece, The Divine Comedy. This extraordinary project was considered near impossible, as it required the artist to capture the essence of the "divine" poet's vision in a series of stunning visual representations.

The encounter between Botticelli and Dante Alighieri was a captivating fusion of religious and secular themes, blending earthly and ethereal elements. Botticelli's exquisite drawings, meticulously crafted over a lifetime, captured the essence of this profound collaboration. These drawings, which once adorned the walls of Florence's palaces, now captivate audiences worldwide, transporting them into the realm of Botticelli's artistic genius.

However, the story of Sandro Botticelli's Dante drawings takes an unexpected turn. Despite his unparalleled artistic achievements, Botticelli's life ended in poverty and obscurity. His unfinished Dante project remained a testament to his untapped potential. For over four hundred years, the drawings disappeared from public view, leaving behind only a faint memory of their existence.

The rediscovery of Botticelli's Dante drawings in the nineteenth century was a seismic event that shook the art world to its core. Scholars and art enthusiasts alike were astounded by the sheer brilliance and significance of this work, which embodied everything the Renaissance had come to represent. From Botticelli's metaphorical resurrection in Victorian England to the emergence of eagle-eyed connoisseurs like Bernard Berenson and Herbert Horne in the early twentieth century, and even the heroic rescue of precious art during the Second World War and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the posthumous story of Botticelli's Dante drawings is nothing short of dramatic.

This captivating combination of artistic detective story and rich intellectual history offers a profound exploration of the Renaissance and its enduring impact. It reveals not only how the Renaissance came to life but also how Botticelli's art played a crucial role in its creation. Moreover, it underscores the importance of the Renaissance and all that it stands for today, reminding us of the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform our world.

In conclusion, the story of Sandro Botticelli's Dante drawings is a testament to the enduring power of art and the remarkable talents of an artist who transcended societal limitations. Through his unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance, Botticelli left an indelible mark on the world of art, and his Dante project continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. The rediscovery of these drawings has shed light on the Renaissance's profound influence and the enduring significance of Botticelli's art, reminding us of the timeless beauty and intellectual richness that continue to shape our world.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324066019