Francesco Botticini

Francesco Botticini (1446–1498), born Francesco di Giovanni in Florence, was the son of a painter of playing cards who probably gave him his first training. In 1459–60 he was a salaried assistant in the workshop of Neri di Bicci, and his early style is close enough to Andrea del Verrocchio's that time in Verrocchio's studio is often inferred, though it is not documented. He had his own workshop by 1469 and remained in Florence until his death. Few of his works are documented, but a large body of altarpieces, small devotional panels and portraits has been attributed to him on grounds of style, including many tondi of the Virgin and the young Saint John adoring the Christ Child. His most famous work is the large Assumption of the Virgin in the National Gallery, London, begun in 1475 for the poet Matteo Palmieri and long credited to Botticelli. Later commissions included two tabernacles for the collegiate church at Empoli and the San Gerolamo Altarpiece for the Rucellai family. Here: The Assumption of the Virgin.