Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli, a leading Florentine of the Early Renaissance, is known for linear grace, luminous color, and poised narrative scenes. Beyond his mythologies, he helped paint the Sistine Chapel walls under Sixtus IV, bringing elegant draftsmanship to biblical storytelling. In the Vatican Museums, his frescoes “The Temptation of Christ” and “The Punishment of Korah” anchor the pre-Michelangelo program.
Artworks by Sandro Botticelli
in the Vatican Museums
#15
The Temptation of Christ
Three trials in one fresco: the devil tempts Christ in wilderness, on the Temple, and atop a mountain, while below a healed leper offers thanks. Botticelli turns doctrine into clear, graceful theater.
Cornerstone of the pre-Michelangelo Sistine cycle.
#21
The Punishment of Korah (Rebellion of Korah)
Botticelli compresses Numbers 16 into one clear stage: rebels challenge the priesthood; the earth opens to swallow them; incense rises before the sanctuary. Architecture in Roman style underlines a quiet lesson—authority, rightly held, protects the people.
Key panel in the pre-Michelangelo Sistine cycle.
