the National Gallery
The Renaissance was one of the most dynamic periods in the history of European art and culture, producing remarkable developments in painting, architecture, sculpture, music, philosophy and science. In the hands of a few exceptional figures, the role of the artist began to expand from being artisan makers of images and objects, to that of multi-talented ‘Renaissance man’, not only changing the way people viewed and depicted the world, but also changing the look and feel of the world itself.
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| Detail from Antonio del Pollaiuolo and Piero del Pollaiuolo, 'The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian', completed 1475 |
The Renaissance
What made Bruges such a vibrant artistic centre?
Closely linked by trade to Florence, Bruges became one of the leading centres of art patronage and production in Europe. We’ll consider some of the famous artists and artworks that were produced there.
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| Detail from Alesso Baldovinetti, 'Portrait of a Lady', about 1465 |
Portraits, people and gods
As new ideas about the importance of the individual began to take root in the early 1400s, different forms of portraiture appeared. We’ll look at the increasing realism and emotional impact of portraits and at depictions of figures from myth, legend and history.
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| Detail from Italian, Florentine, 'Cassone with a Tournament Scene', probably about 1455-65 |
What can paintings tell us about everyday life in the Renaissance?
We look at the growing desire for domestic artworks. Painted objects and decorative furnishings for the home, including ‘cassoni’ (marriage chests) as well as private devotional objects, reveal a lot about household life in the 15th century.
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| Detail from Cosimo Tura, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned', mid-1470s |
Court and state
What was the relationship between art and power?
As the different states of Italy jockeyed for position on the European stage, art and patronage became important weapons in maintaining the relative importance of duchies, dynasties, republics and kingdoms.
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| Detail from Leonardo da Vinci, 'The Virgin of the Rocks', about 1491/2-9 and 1506-8 |
The artist as 'star'
How did some artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, achieve ‘star’ status?
With his mechanical inventions, anatomical studies, and virtuoso paintings, Leonardo was a remarkable artist. As we bring together what we have learned about the art of the 15th century we will look at the rise of the artist as a 'star performer'.
In focus: Piero della Francesca
Piero della Francesca (c. 1415 – 1492) is one of the most loved of Renaissance painters. He was influenced by earlier painters such as Giotto and Masaccio and used his remarkable skills in mathematics and geometry in the composition of his painting, helping him create profoundly satisfying and timeless works of art.
Lijst van oude Italiaanse meesters
