Science

Scientists Solve Mystery of Renaissance Beauty’s Death

Updated 2026-07-26 12:10 UTC 1 source Neutral

Researchers have proposed a new theory about the cause of death for Simonetta Vespucci, muse to Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli. The findings could provide insights into historical medical practices.

Coverage timeline — 1 article

Scientific American

550 years later, scientists claim to have solved what killed Botticelli’s muse

Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli painted Simonetta Vespucci as Venus rising from the waves. Now, scientists think they’ve solved how she died

2026-07-26 10:00 UTC