
Sandro BotticelliItalie, 1445–1510The Mystical Nativity
Peut-on la contempler ?
Londres, Royaume-Uni
Le propriétaire est connu ; on ignore si l’œuvre est exposée aujourd’hui.
La Nativité mystique (Natività mistica en italien) est une peinture à huile sur toile (108,5 × 74,9 cm) exécutée, autour de 1500-1501, par Sandro Botticelli, et conservée à la National Gallery de Londres.
1490–1498
Savonarola's preaching and Botticelli
From 1490 Savonarola preached in Florence; according to Vasari, Botticelli became his follower, gave up painting and fell into hardship. Modern historians reject this, and the extent of the preacher's influence remains uncertain — Botticelli's brother Simone was the clearer follower.
1498
The execution of Savonarola
In 1498 Savonarola was seized, accused of heresy and sentenced to death; these events shook Botticelli deeply.
late 1502
Isabella d'Este prefers to wait for Perugino
In late 1502 Isabella d'Este wanted a painting done in Florence; her agent Francesco Malatesta reported that Perugino was away, Filippino Lippi was booked for six months, but Botticelli was free to start at once and ready to oblige. She preferred to wait for Perugino's return.