How did Sandro Botticelli train under Fra Filippo Lippi?

After completing his initial apprenticeship with a goldsmith, Sandro Botticelli was placed under the tutelage of the esteemed Florentine master Fra Filippo Lippi because of his preference for painting.12

Lippi’s influence was foundational to Botticelli’s artistic development, providing him with essential technical training and stylistic direction:

• Technical Skills: Lippi taught Botticelli the techniques of panel painting and fresco, while also instilling an assured control of linear perspective.1
• Stylistic Influence: From his teacher, Botticelli acquired a specific repertory of types and compositions, a linear sense of form, a graceful approach to costuming, and a preference for paler color palettes.1

This training remained evident in Botticelli’s work throughout his career. However, after Lippi departed for Spoleto, Botticelli sought to evolve beyond the soft, frail style he had initially learned. He subsequently studied the more sculptural techniques of artists like Antonio Pollaiuolo and Andrea del Verrocchio to develop the robust, vigorous naturalism that characterized his mature work.1