Title of Research Project
The "Light of the Intellect": Botticelli's Drawings for Dante's Divine Comedy
Major
Art History/Arts Management
Research Abstract
Dante’s Divine Comedy had a substantial history of illustration before Sandro Botticelli (1444/5-1510) was commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici to produce 102 drawings to accompany the text. Botticelli is often described as a studious, humanist artist, incorporating his understanding of classical texts and observational knowledge into his works. This research paper will explore the innovative nature of Botticelli’s series of drawings, especially as it relates to his graphic style, varying modes of composition, and conceptual priorities. It will also analyze the conceptual differences between the Inferno and Paradiso.
Faculty Mentor/Advisor
Professor Catherine Lusheck
Course
Renaissance Art, Professor Catherine Lusheck
Included in
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Italian Literature Commons
The "Light of the Intellect": Botticelli's Drawings for Dante's Divine Comedy
Dante’s Divine Comedy had a substantial history of illustration before Sandro Botticelli (1444/5-1510) was commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici to produce 102 drawings to accompany the text. Botticelli is often described as a studious, humanist artist, incorporating his understanding of classical texts and observational knowledge into his works. This research paper will explore the innovative nature of Botticelli’s series of drawings, especially as it relates to his graphic style, varying modes of composition, and conceptual priorities. It will also analyze the conceptual differences between the Inferno and Paradiso.
