An overview and contents of the articles outlining the history of the Italian Renaissance, centred on paintings from Florence.
Raphael
A timeline of milestone paintings, first surviving examples of the achievements of the Italian Renaissance, from 1320-1596.
From about 1530, painting started to change. Brushstrokes became visible, anatomy exaggerated, composition less balanced and ideal. First Mannerism, then came the Baroque.
The significance of Alberti’s textbook on painting and simplified perspective, followed by Piero’s account of perspective, and Vasari’s new history of painting.
From Leonardo’s abandoned Adoration of the Magi from 1482, his development of pyramidal form in composition influenced Raphael and many others.
Bishop’s crosier, monarch’s sceptre, field-marshal’s baton, or just another fashion accessory?
How rendering of the surface texture of fabrics changed during the southern Renaissance, and new techniques were exported to the north.
From Aesculapius to Zeus, key features of each of the major male deities in classical myths, and links to individual articles here.
For over a century, Italian painters had strived to achieve coherent perspective projection, but it was until about 1420 that this was achieved. How essential was it?
Why did Bosch show people wearing funnels on their heads? Why the Roundheads? How to tell priestly rank by the hat, and more about chaperons and top hats.
