The Dark Side of Art: Botticelli, Lorenzo and Savonarola Part 3
<< Previous 1 2 [3] 4 Next >> It was a time of turmoil, both political and religious, so Lorenzo provided elaborate entertainments for the masses. It has been suggested that…
Category: Italian Renaissance art
Raphael’s Transfiguration of Christ
Raphael’s Transfiguration of Christ was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici (later Pope Clement VII) as one of two paintings for the Cathedral of S. Giusto of Narbonne, the city becoming…
Mannerist Benvenuto Cellini’s Autobiography, A Rousing Tale Part 1
<< Previous [1] 2 3 Next >> This article was published in October, 2006 under the following title. The Outrageous Life of Benvenuto Cellini in His Own Words Few men have…
Raphael Portrait of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Renaissance Prince
On July 5th 2007 a unique portrait of Italian Renaissance prince Lorenzo de’ Medici II, Duke of Urbino, by Raphael Sanzio found its way to Christie’s auction block, something so rare…
Mannerist Benvenuto Cellini’s Autobiography, A Rousing Tale Part 2
<< Previous 1 [2] 3 Next >> Angered by his father at the age of sixteen Cellini left Florence for Rome, stopping by way of Lucca and Pisa. In Pisa he…
Renaissance Courts
Italian Renaissance princely courts were expected to be opulent, therefore, there were no the sumptuary restrictions to follow. Wealthy aristocrats like Cosimo de’ Medici were not allowed to openly display their…
The Este Of Ferrara | Descended From Trojan Princes?
The Italian Renaissance Este family of Ferrara patronized a privileged group of artists during the fifteenth century in the court of Niccolo III d’Este. Partial to themes of courtly recreation, Este…
Titian’s Venus of Urbino
Titian’s Venus of Urbino has the trademark red-gold hair that history has named “Titian” after the artist’s name because of his frequent use of the brownish orange color. Titian’s Venus of…
Renaissance Rivals Raphael and Michelangelo
Italian Renaissance giants Michelangelo Buonarroti and Raphael Sanzio were unspoken rivals. Scholars continue to debate the subject today of the Raphael vs Michelangelo rivalry. The irascible Michelangelo, forced by Pope Julius…
The Life and Work of Sandro Botticelli
The life and work of Sandro Botticelli were seldom mentioned for several centuries following the end of the Italian Renaissance. The name Sandra Botticelli is so well known today that it…
