Welcome to a place where we explore the beauty of our Catholic heritage through art, story, and hands-on activities.
Today, we turn our gaze to Sandro Botticelli, the Renaissance master known for his graceful figures, flowing lines, and deeply spiritual works. His art invites us to contemplate the Incarnation, the joy of the Nativity, and the tender love between Mary and Jesus. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a catechist, or simply someone who wants to slow down and look with reverence, this picture study offers a way to bring beauty and faith into your family’s rhythm.
This Botticelli unit is part of the Catholic Picture Study Series, which I planned and used with my own children. Each unit brings you into deeper encounter with truth and beauty—one masterpiece at a time.
Why Study Botticelli?
Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445–1510) lived in Florence during the height of the Italian Renaissance. Though many know him for his mythological works like The Birth of Venus, his sacred art is rich in symbolism, emotion, and devotion. Through his paintings, children can discover:
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The Beauty of the Incarnation – how Mary, angels, and Christ are rendered with both humanity and holiness
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A Gentle Entry to Symbolism – Botticelli’s visual language is filled with flowers, halos, and gestures that open Scripture in a new way
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Sacred Silence – his use of soft light and composition leads viewers into quiet reflection
The Four Key Works
Each painting below includes a public-domain link for high-resolution printing. You can use these for family picture study, journaling, or narration activities.
1️⃣ The Annunciation (c. 1489–1490)
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Description:
The angel Gabriel bows reverently before Mary in a beautifully proportioned architectural space. Mary, startled yet serene, gestures in humble acceptance of her divine calling. Botticelli’s fine lines and controlled grace make this moment feel still and sacred.
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2️⃣ The Nativity (Mystic Nativity, c. 1500–1501)
Location: National Gallery, London
Description:
This richly symbolic Nativity scene shows the Holy Family surrounded by angels, shepherds, and signs of divine reconciliation. Angels and humans embrace in the background—a visual reminder of heaven and earth united in Christ.
👉 https://www.columbiamuseum.org/collection-highlights/nativity
3️⃣ Madonna and Child with the Young St. John the Baptist (c. 1490–1495)
Location: Louvre Museum, Paris
Description:
This tender painting captures the close relationship between the infant Christ and his cousin, John the Baptist. Their innocent gestures and Mary's peaceful expression invite the viewer into the love shared among this holy family.
4️⃣ Madonna and Child with Two Angels (c. 1468–1470)
Location: Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan
Description:
In this early Botticelli work, Mary cradles Jesus as two angels look on with adoration. The softness of the figures, the subtle shading, and the harmony of their postures reflect Botticelli’s gift for translating divine love into visual form.
👉 https://www.nga.gov/artworks/12145-madonna-and-child-angels
How to Use This Picture Study
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Print & Prepare – Download the high-resolution images and print them at A4 or letter size.
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Storytelling Time – Read the corresponding Scripture or tell the story visually.
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Reflect & Discuss – Ask open-ended questions like:
“What is the angel doing?” or “What do you notice about Mary’s face?” -
Creative Follow-Up – Have your child draw, copy a detail, or write a prayer inspired by the artwork.
Extend the Journey: Catholic Picture Study Curriculum for Grades 3–6
When you’re ready to build picture study into your weekly rhythm, check out the full Catholic Picture Study Curriculum for Grades 3–6. It includes:
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10 weeks of guided lessons on Catholic-friendly master artists
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Printable response pages, reflection prompts, and teaching notes
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A gentle introduction to beauty, truth, and narration in the Catholic tradition
📘 Learn more on the blog
🛒 Shop the curriculum at Teacher Weena
Free Bonus: Wonder & Wisdom Thinking Routines
Need a gentle guide to help your child look more closely at sacred art?
Download our Wonder & Wisdom printable—a collection of Catholic-centered thinking routines that pair beautifully with any picture study. Great for homeschool mornings, co-op discussions, or quiet prayer time.
🎨 Meet the First Three Artists
🖌️ Fra Angelico
A Dominican friar whose humility and holiness shaped every brushstroke. His luminous depictions of the Annunciation and other Gospel scenes radiate peace and reverence.
👉 Start Fra Angelico’s Picture Study
🖌️ Giotto di Bondone
The father of Western painting, Giotto’s frescoes broke from stiff medieval forms to show real human feeling. His Lamentation and Nativity scenes are deeply moving.
👉 Start Giotto’s Picture Study
🖌️ Leonardo da Vinci
A master of both science and spirit, Leonardo’s sacred works invite awe. From the Virgin of the Rocks to the Adoration of the Magi, he paints with mystery and grace.
👉 Start Leonardo’s Picture Study
✉️ Get Monthly Picture Study Lessons
Would you love to receive one new Catholic artist study each month—delivered straight to your inbox?
✨ Join our mailing list and enjoy:
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Free printable artworks
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Reflection questions for children
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Teaching prompts and Scripture tie-ins