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Aug 7, 1420
Florence Cathedral's dome
The dome was built between 1420 and 1436 to a plan by Filippo Brunelleschi, and is still the largest masonry vault in the world, but the admirable innovation of Brunelleschi was to create it without reinforcements in wood, since none could have sustained a cupola of this size. It is an octagonal structure in stone and brick masonry, with external diameter 54.8 metres and interior diameter 45.5 metres. -
Period: 1450 to
Renaissance
The Renaissance (14th-17th centuries) was a cultural revival in Europe that revived classical ideas, leading to advancements in art, science, and politics. Originating in Italy, it produced figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and influenced the Protestant Reformation and the Age of Exploration. By the early 17th century, the Renaissance declined due to political, economic, and religious challenges, but its impact on modern thought remains significant. -
1498
Pietá
Michelangelo's Pietà, created between 1498 and 1499 and located in St. Peter's Basilica, is the only work the sculptor signed. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus's body after the Crucifixion, combining classical beauty with Renaissance naturalism. The Virgin is represented larger than Christ in order to achieve harmony in the composition, despite the tragedy. The her hand covers him with a cloth, symbolizing his sanctity. Although her youth was criticized, it remains an iconic masterpiece. -
1509
The School Of Athens
Raphael was a key figure of the Italian Renaissance, known for embodying classical ideals of balance and harmony in his art. While deeply interested in archaeology and ancient art, he subtly incorporated this knowledge into his works. His legacy is particularly significant in the depiction of Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, for whom he created iconic visual representations. However, Raphael's works are often ambiguous, adding complexity and openness to varied interpretations. -
Period: 1520 to 1521
The Revolt Of The Comuneros In Castilla
The War of the Communities of Castile (1520-1522) was an uprising against King Charles I, led by cities like Toledo and Valladolid. Fueled by resentment over foreign influence, heavy taxes, and the king’s Flemish court, the revolt was crushed after the execution of its leaders in 1521. While some regions remained loyal, others, such as Jaén and Baeza, supported the rebellion until its collapse in 1522. -
Period: 1568 to 1571
The Rebellion Of The Alpujarras
The Rebellion of the Alpujarras was a Morisco uprising in Granada against King Philip II's efforts to erase Muslim influence. Led by Hernando de Válor (Aben Humeya), the revolt gained support from the Ottoman Empire and North African pirates but was crushed by Spanish forces under John of Austria. The suppression led to the deportation of surviving Moriscos, disrupting the local economy. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the rebellion raised fears across Europe of Muslim influence in Spain. -
Period: 1568 to
The Eighty Years War
The Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) was a conflict between the Netherlands and Spain, sparked by Philip II's repressive policies. Led by William the Silent, the Dutch gained European support and introduced military innovations. After a truce in 1609, hostilities resumed in 1621, ending with the 1648 Peace of Münster, which recognized Dutch independence and weakened Spain, paving the way for the rise of the Dutch Republic and shifting Europe's religious and political landscape. -
The Defeat Of The Spanish Armada
The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 marked a turning point in European history. Philip II's attempt to invade England with 150 ships was thwarted by English tactics, such as fire ships at the Battle of Gravelines. A lack of support and bad weather forced the Spanish retreat, leading to the loss of many ships. This defeat solidified Protestantism in England, weakened Spanish naval power, and paved the way for England's rise as a global maritime power. -
Period: to
Baroque
The Baroque (17th-18th centuries) was an elaborate European style that revived classical ideas, influencing art, architecture, and design globally. Known for dramatic movement, emotional appeal, and grand structures like the Palace of Versailles, it also impacted theatre with ornate performances. Baroque's use of luxurious materials and floral motifs marked its distinctiveness. By the mid-18th century, it was criticized for being overly emotional, but was reappraised in the 19th century. -
Apollo and Daphne
Apollo and Daphne is a Baroque marble sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created between 1622 and 1625 and displayed in the Borghese Gallery, Rome. It captures the moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses when Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and completed with help from Bernini’s student Giuliano Finelli, the sculpture explores themes of pursuit, escape, and transformation, symbolizing Apollo’s unrequited love and Daphne’s eternal glory. -
Saint Peter's Square
Saint Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1667, features an oval space with semicircular colonnades that embrace St. Peter’s Basilica. The colonnades are made up of 284 columns and 140 statues. At the center stands a mosaic of the Madonna and Child, and the Vatican obelisk, from the circus of Caligula and Nero, symbolizes the crucifixion of St. Peter and early Christian martyrs. -
The Spinners
The Spinners (or The Fable of Arachne) by Diego Velázquez illustrates the myth from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where Arachne challenges Athena to a weaving contest. Arachne’s flawless tapestry enrages Athena, who transforms her into a spider. The painting contrasts a simple, light-filled room in the foreground with the mythological scene in the background. Velázquez uses trompe-l'oeil techniques, including a curtain, to create depth and showcase his skill in lifelike detail. -
Period: to
Neoclassical Art
Neoclassicism, influenced by the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and Greco-Roman ideals, rejected Rococo excess for simplicity and moral values. Artists like David and Ingres prioritized historical accuracy, while sculptors like Canova and Houdon combined classical forms with emotion. The movement, spurred by archaeological discoveries, influenced architecture, notably in Jefferson’s Monticello, and left a lasting legacy in public monuments and Beaux-Arts design. -
Oath Of The Horatii
The Oath of the Horatii is a Neoclassical painting that contrasts the brothers' heroic poses with the sorrowful women, exploring themes of sacrifice and duty. Its structured composition and stark lighting balance emotion and rationality. The painting's political message is debated, with some seeing it as a call for revolutionary sacrifice, while others point to ambiguity due to David's royal ties. It has had a lasting impact on French art and remains a subject of discussion. -
Carlos IV Of Spain And His Family
Goya’s 1800 portrait of King Carlos IV’s family demonstrates his skill in capturing individual personalities. Influenced by Velázquez’s Las Meninas, it depicts the royal family, with the King and Queen at the center, surrounded by their children and relatives, including future King Fernando VII. The painting highlights contemporary fashions, jewelry, and royal honors, reflecting Goya’s keen attention to detail. It was listed in the Royal Palace in 1814 and later entered the Prado Museum in 1824.