Book excerpt: "Perhaps more than any other painter, Sandro Botticelli (about 1445-1510) exemplifies the artistic achievement of Renaissance Florence in the 15th century. "Botticelli and the Search for the Divine," organized by the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William & Mary and Italy's Metamorfosi Associazione Culturale, explores the dramatic changes in the artist's style and subject matter--from poetic depictions of classical gods and goddesses to austere sacred themes--reflecting the shifting political and religious climate of Florence during his lifetime."--Exhibition website.