Created
Apr 09 07, Updated Oct 02 07 22:34
Sandro Botticelli (Florence, 1445-1510) 
Italian early Renaissance (Quattrocento)
Botticelli was extremely successful at the peak of his career, with a highly individual and graceful style founded on the rhythmic capabilities of outline. With the emergence of the High Renaissance style at the turn of the 16th century, he fell out of fashion, died in obscurity.
The Birth of Venus (detail, 1486)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birth_of_Venus_%28Botticelli%29
(too famous but) so beautiful, sensual and modern!