This brief introduction is intended to orient you to some important, basic information as you begin to study Italian renaissance art.
Dr. Heather Graham
His nudity references classical antiquity, but David embodies the ideals and concerns of 15th-century Florence.
Donatello, David
Artists explored new approaches to form inspired by surviving art and architecture from antiquity as well as ancient authors’ discussions of them.
Humanism in Italian renaissance art
From a live webinar: Dr. Heather Graham on Raphael's Girl with Unicorn
From a live webinar: Dr. Heather Graham ...
What is mannerism, and why did it develop in the 16th century?
Mannerism, an introduction
Raphael’s untimely death at the age of 37 while at the height of his visual powers only solidified the legend of his extraordinary talent.
Raphael, an introduction
Patrons mattered during the renaissance. Find out why.
A-level: Types of renaissance patronage
Throughout Europe women’s relegation to the domestic sphere was rooted in Christian tradition that placed blame for humanity’s fall from grace upon Eve, the first woman.
A-level: Introduction to gender in renaissance Italy
Throughout Europe women’s relegation to the domestic sphere was rooted in Christian tradition that placed blame for humanity’s fall from grace upon Eve, the first woman.
Introduction to gender in renaissance Italy
Clay becomes flesh in the remarkable terracotta sculptures of Italian renaissance artist Guido Mazzoni.
Guido Mazzoni, Lamentation in Ferrara
Guido Mazzoni created some of the most emotionally affecting life-size terracotta sculptures during the renaissance.
Guido Mazzoni and Renaissance Emotions
Patrons mattered during the renaissance. Find out why.
Types of renaissance patronage
Renaissance author Leon Battista Alberti's ideas about what makes for a good painting would have a lasting influence on the history of art.
Alberti’s revolution in painting
Find out more about why patrons commissioned artworks during the renaissance.
Why commission artwork during the renaissance?
His nudity references classical antiquity, but David embodies the ideals and concerns of 15th-century Florence.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
