In 1938, an excavation at the ancient Roman city of Pompeii revealed a small carved ivory of Indian origin.
Location Country: Italy
The early Christian church of Santa Maria Maggiore has some of the oldest mosaics in Rome.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
A central dome dominates this space, while greyish-green stone articulates its perfect geometry.
Filippo Brunelleschi, Pazzi Chapel
Mazzoni, one of the foremost terracotta sculptors of Northern Italy during the Renaissance, incarnates clay with the spirit of a living person
Guido Mazzoni, Head of a Man
An exceptional example of Byzantine craftsmanship, this shimmering icon was taken from Constantinople to Venice during the Crusades
Icon of the Archangel Michael
The surviving decorations of Schifanoia offer modern viewers a precious glimpse of the splendorous forms that once adorned the d’Este’s numerous palaces and villas
Sala dei Mesi (Hall of the Months) ...
Mantegna was fascinated by perspective. His radical foreshortening and realism focus attention on Christ’s wounds.
Andrea Mantegna, Dead Christ
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
Sirani primarily celebrates Portia as a courageous heroine, but also pays homage to the work’s intended owner
Elisabetta Sirani, Portia Wounding her Thigh
Did Peter sit here? Dizzying but unified, light and gold glorify this sacred place.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Cathedra Petri (Chair of ...
Gold, glass, and marble dazzle the eye in this 6th-century church. High above us, Emperor Justinian presides.
San Vitale and the Justinian Mosaic
City-states vied for the best artists. After Ghiberti dragged his feet, Siena invited Donatello to finish the job.
Donatello, Feast of Herod
Many, many panels made up this massive altarpiece. Dedicated to Mary, it stood in the crossing of Siena Cathedral.
Duccio, Maestà
Bathing was an essential part of ancient Roman urban life and spending the afternoon in the baths was a normal occurrence.
Baths of Caracalla
From Augustus, to Mussolini, and now Bulgari, the long strange history of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
The Mausoleum of Augustus and the Piazza ...
The Roman emperor Augustus brought many ancient Egyptian obelisks back to the the city of Rome.
Obelisks and ancient Rome
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
From Augustus, to Mussolini, and now Bulgari, the long strange history of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
The Mausoleum of Augustus and the Piazza ...
The Queen of Heaven presides over the space where government officials in Siena met to make decisions
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