A central dome dominates this space, while greyish-green stone articulates its perfect geometry.
Location City: Florence
Entering the private chapel of Eleanora of Toledo, Duchess of Florence is like stepping into a jeweled box.
A chapel for Eleonora di Toledo, Duchess ...
Verrocchio's David, sculpted only a couple decades after Donatello's version, is more real than idealized
Verrocchio, David with the Head of Goliath
The intimate Magi Chapel still dazzles its visitors with its vividly painted frescoes and gold leaf that show the three Magi and members of the Medici family—and more
Benozzo Gozzoli, The Medici Palace Chapel frescoes
The Ponte Vecchio is one of few surviving medieval urbanized bridges in all of Europe.
The Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) in Florence
His nudity references classical antiquity, but David embodies the ideals and concerns of 15th-century Florence.
Donatello, David
The life-sized figures of Mary and Gabriel occupy an open porch—a space not unlike the cloisters of San Marco.
Fra Angelico, The Annunciation
Brunelleschi’s panel may be scarier, but Ghiberti’s is more emotionally complex. In both, an angel saves the day.
Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Sacrifice of ...
Michelangelo left many sculptures unfinished, but perhaps none are more beautiful than the slaves.
Unfinished business—Michelangelo and the Pope
In the five centuries since they were installed, Andrea della Robbia's sculptures of children have become a widely recognized symbol of the Innocenti hospital and of childhood itself
Andrea della Robbia’s bambini at the Ospedale ...
Virtue, pride, and magnificence intertwine at the Florentine palazzo that belonged to the Medici family
Michelozzo, Palazzo Medici
A rare altar frontal made for Santa Maria Novella in Florence that still survives after 700 years
A rare embroidery made for an altar ...
This particular artwork perfectly embodies all the things that northern European painters were thought to do best.
Hugo van der Goes, Portinari Altarpiece
A comparison of two Italian medieval crosses shows the transformation of Christ from transcendent to human.
The Crucifixion, c. 1200 (from Christus triumphans ...
Where’s Goliath? David scans for his enemy. This colossal sculpture is itself a giant of High Renaissance art.
Michelangelo, David
This is a Mary like we’ve never seen before—she’s more monumental and sits in a space that makes sense.
Giotto, The Ognissanti Madonna and Child Enthroned
Set against gleaming gold, Mary and Christ sit on an intricately carved throne studded with gems.
Cimabue, Virgin and Child Enthroned, and Prophets ...
Girl, interrupted—Mary’s initial reaction to Gabriel adds human experience to the dignity and grace of this scene.
Simone Martini, Annunciation
Sure, decorative patterns and prismatic color impress us now, but gold and ultramarine once broadcast value.
Duccio, Heaven on earth— The Rucellai Madonna
The powerful Medici family of Florence tried—and failed—to make true Chinese porcelain in the 16th century.
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