Early Modern Europe

Portrait painting of a man with a beard and a turban in an ornate frame.

Early modern Europe experienced significant changes, influenced by rising urbanization, new ways of thinking, global networks, colonization, and shifts in religion

Notable People and Artists

The Italian Renaissance

Innovation and experimentation defined the Italian city-states between 1400–1600

The Basics

Renaissance painting of an idealized city with classical architecture in a gold frame
An illustration with ancient Greek and Roman busts and column icons in a repeating pattern, and a central green banner with yellow text that reads "Coming Soon."
A bronze sculpture of a young boy who stands with his hand on one hip and looks out at us
Portrait of a young woman in a Renaissance-style dress holding a small unicorn, set in an ornate gold frame.
A circular painting by Sandro Botticelli depicting the Madonna and Child with angels in a decorative golden frame.
Renaissance ceiling fresco with sky, clouds, and people looking down
Renaissance-style building with arched windows and intricate stonework in an urban setting.
Renaissance painting with religious figures and ornate patterns
A framed painting of a knight in armor holding a spear, standing over a dragon, set against a landscape background. The artwork is displayed on a blue wall.
A religious painting depicting an angel delivering a message to a seated woman. The angel kneels on the left with wings extended and a floral staff, while the woman sits on the right by a decorative table. Trees and a landscape are visible in the background.
Renaissance painting of an idealized city with classical architecture in a gold frame
An angel kneels before a woman in a bright blue mantle
A large group of people converge upon a woman holding a baby in a large altarpiece surrounded by a golden frame

Important terms and concepts

City-State

Florence

Humanism

Renaissance

Portraiture

Oculus

Altarpiece

Palazzo

Halo

Angel

Annunciation

Adoration of the Magi

Biblical narrative

Portrait and portraiture

The Northern Renaissance

Art and culture in Europe north of the Alps in the 15th century 16th centuries

Important terms and concepts

Portraiture

Oil Painting

a woman wears a sheer veil on her head as she looks off the the side

The Baroque

The 17th century is widely known as the Baroque era

A classic painting depicting two women. One woman, in a yellow gown, holds a sword and gestures towards a candle. Another woman, wearing a white headscarf, looks up towards her. The scene is illuminated by candlelight and covered with a rich tapestry, suggesting a dramatic or historical context.
Rachel Ruysch, A Vase of Flowers, 1689
Engraving of a historical woman with elaborate attire and jewelry, wearing a ruffled collar and holding a scepter.

Important terms and concepts

Tenebrism

Still-life painting

Scepter

Self-portrait

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