At the Palazzo Pitti, Florence

Virtually explore the Palazzo Pitti with Smarthistory as your guide

Some background

videos + essays

Link to the Palazzo Pitti's website

Artemisia Gentileschi, <em>Conversion of the Magdalene</em>
Artemisia Gentileschi, Conversion of the Magdalene

Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene chooses between a spiritual and worldly path.

Portraits and fashion: Sandro Botticelli, <em>Portrait of a Young Woman</em>
Portraits and fashion: Sandro Botticelli, Portrait of a Young Woman

Although the figure in this portrait lacks jewels and brocades, likenesses such as this offer insight into upper-class women’s daily lived experience.

Titian, two portraits of Pietro Aretino
Titian, two portraits of Pietro Aretino

Two portraits capture the ambition and impudence of Titian's close friend and publicist.

Peter Paul Rubens, <em>The Consequences of War</em>
Peter Paul Rubens, The Consequences of War

This energetic painting captures the horror of war, from its overwhelming hopelessness to its cultural costs.