Virgin and Child c. 1485

Sandro Botticelli painted this Virgin and Child in Florence during the late 15th century. Botticelli was working at a time when the church was one of the most influential patrons of the arts. The image of Mary and the infant Jesus was a popular one, and it served as a reminder of the church's central role in people's lives. The depiction of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child in a tender, human way reflects the influence of humanist thought that gained momentum in the city at this time. The placement of the figures in front of a detailed landscape is also typical of Florentine painting. We see a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, which also reflects humanist ideals. As historians, we can look at how the patronage system and the rise of humanism influenced the art produced during the Renaissance. By studying the social and cultural context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the art and its meaning.