The Italian Renaissance

c. 1300–1600 CE

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

A period in Italian history known for its innovations in art, literature, and architecture

Notable People and Artists

Introduction to the Italian Renaissance

Learn some basic vocabulary about the Italian renaissance

Artistic Innovations

Renaissance painting of an idealized city with classical architecture in a gold frame

Art for Elites

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.

Art for Religious Spaces

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.
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

Learn more about specific artworks

Italian city-states such as Florence, Genoa, Venice, and Siena were ruled by oligarchies

Portrait of a young woman in a Renaissance-style dress holding a small unicorn, set in an ornate gold frame.

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