Entering the private chapel of Eleanora of Toledo, Duchess of Florence is like stepping into a jeweled box.
Central and Northern Italy 1500s
Verrocchio's David, sculpted only a couple decades after Donatello's version, is more real than idealized
Verrocchio, David with the Head of Goliath
What's the difference between classic art, classical art, and classicism?
Classic, classical, and classicism explained
Michelangelo transforms a male model into a female figure. Discover the artist’s working process.
Michelangelo, Studies for the Libyan Sibyl
Michelangelo's art could be tender and lyrical, dwelling upon the inherent tensions of the human condition.
Michelangelo, Taddei Tondo
Michelangelo left many sculptures unfinished, but perhaps none are more beautiful than the slaves.
Unfinished business—Michelangelo and the Pope
The Sack of Rome in 1527 had a long-lasting impact on the cultural and artistic life of papal Rome.
The Sack of Rome in 1527
Cellini's salt cellar was prized as luxury tableware and was also an intellectual conversation starter in renaissance France.
Benvenuto Cellini, Salt Cellar
Replicas form a vital component of Michelangelo’s legacy, and they have helped transform him into a global cultural icon
Replicating Michelangelo
Where’s Goliath? David scans for his enemy. This colossal sculpture is itself a giant of High Renaissance art.
Michelangelo, David
A service made for Isabella d'Este, the most important female patron of the Renaissance.
Nicola da Urbino, a dinner service for ...
What was happening in the world during Michelangelo's lifetime?
Tiny timelines: Michelangelo in context
The powerful Medici family of Florence tried—and failed—to make true Chinese porcelain in the 16th century.
Medici porcelain, a failed experiment
This altarpiece lacks setting and symbols, but it’s hardly empty. Moving figures fill the space.
Jacopo Pontormo, Entombment (or Deposition from the ...
What is mannerism, and why did it develop in the 16th century?
Mannerism, an introduction
The portability and affordability of prints contributed to the exchange of information and ideas between cultures.
Printmaking in Europe, c. 1400−1800
He was mythologized by followers, emulated by artists, celebrated by humanists, and patronized by a total of nine popes.
Who was Michelangelo?
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
In history classes, we often hear about renaissance men: Cosimo de’ Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Where were the women?
Renaissance woman: Isabella d’Este
Michelangelo was known as il divino, (in English, “the divine one”) and it is easy for us to see why.
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