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

A Renaissance style mural depicting a historical scene with a group of people, some seated and others standing, dressed in period clothing with various headgear. The background includes decorative architectural elements and trees.

VIDEO: What is a Renaissance court? | Mantegna’s Camera Picta frescos

A bronze sculpture of a young boy who stands with his hand on one hip and looks out at us

VIDEO: What is contrapposto? | Andrea del Verrocchio’s David

a fresco that shows a group of people around a seated man

VIDEO: What is a patron? What is patronage? | Ottavio Vannini’s fresco of Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence

Important Individuals

A bust sculpture of a man wearing a hat and scarf, displayed on a pedestal in a museum setting.

VIDEO: Lorenzo de' Medici of Florence

Painting of a woman in a dress with her son

VIDEO: Agnolo Bronzino’s Portrait of Eleanora di Toledo, Duchess of Florence

Painting of many people talking and walking wearing historical clothing

VIDEO: Who is Raphael (Raffaello Santi)?

Artistic Innovations

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

VIDEO: What is linear perspective? | A painting of the Ideal City

Ancient bronze coin with a woman's profile and an inscription around the edge, mounted on a display stand.

VIDEO: What is a portrait medal? | Pisanello’s portrait medal of Leonello d’Este

a ceiling painting showing a open circle with figures looking down

VIDEO: What is di sotto in su? | Mantegna’s oculus fresco in the Camera Picta in Mantua

Art for Elites

Oculus: Andrea Mantegna's Camera Picta and Looking to Rome
A circular painting by Sandro Botticelli depicting the Madonna and Child with angels in a decorative golden frame.
Tondo: Sandro Botticelli's Madonna and Child
Renaissance ceiling fresco with sky, clouds, and people looking down
Renaissance-style building with arched windows and intricate stonework in an urban setting.
Palazzo: An elite home in Florence, the Palazzo Rucellai
The Madonna and Christ Child are supported by two angels, in a painting, with a landscape beyond
Object Story about Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Art for Religious Spaces

Renaissance painting with religious figures and ornate patterns
Altarpiece: Fra Angelico's altarpiece at San Marco
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.
Halo: Saint George by Andrea Mantegna
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.
Defining the Annunciation with Leonardo da Vinci
An angel kneels before a woman in a bright blue mantle
Angel: Simone Martini's Annunciation
A large group of people converge upon a woman holding a baby in a large altarpiece surrounded by a golden frame
Adoration of the Magi: Gentile da Fabriano's Strozzi Altarpiece
A detailed classical oil painting of a biblical scene depicting Jesus Christ's body being prepared for burial, surrounded by mourning women with expressions of sorrow and grief.

Building in the Renaissance

View of the Florence Palazzo Vecchio with its tall clock tower and crenellated walls, surrounded by tiled rooftops under a partly cloudy sky, with a construction crane in the background.
Rustication and Renaissance Architecture

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.
Rapahel's Lady with a Unicorn and female portraiture

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