Despereaux 9: Botticelli

Can you find any similarities between the fictional rat, Botticelli, and the famous artist, Botticelli?

BOTTICELLI
1445 - 1510

INTRODUCTION

Botticelli was a very talented artist. He became very popular in the Renaissance times. His work is still respected and valued very much.

BACKGROUND

Botticelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1445. He spent his whole life in Florence except for a visit to Rome. Botticelli was a member of the Medici family. His real name was Alessandro Filipepi. He was nicknamed Botticelli when he went to live with his brother. There he worked as a goldsmith.People say that he had deep-set eyes, flowing locks and a salient nose (easily seen or noticed). It was also said that he was a jokester or a prankster.
When Botticelli was 14 or 15 he was sent to the great painter, Fra Filippo. There he learned how to mix colors and clean brushes. Botticelli was greatly influenced by his teacher.
By 1465, Botticelli had his own studio. After the age of 56 no paintings were found that were painted by him. Botticelli died alone and infirm. He lived to be about 65 and died around 1510