Art 623: Virtual Museum: 1400-1500

1400-1500

Period: 1400 to 1500

"The Book of the City of Ladies"

Jan 1, 1405

Christine de Pizan (1364-1430) used this landmark work of literature as a vehicle to argue for the value of women in society and defended a woman's right to education, sovereignty, and justice. A pioneer in defending women's rights, de Pizan's work retains its importance today.

"Forbidden City"

Jan 1, 1406

Nguyễn An, Cai Xin. The Forbidden City was a Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the close of the Qing Dynasty.It served as the home of emperors and their families as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years. A groundbreaking work of Eastern architecture that leaves visitors in awe to this day.

"The Trinity"

Jan 1, 1408

Andrei Rublev (c.1360-c.1430) Regarded as one of the finest achievements in Russia art history, "The Trinity," is a symbolic depiction of the trinity of spiritual unity, featuring the three angels who visited Abraham at the Oak of Mamre.

"Ife Head"

Jan 1, 1410

Unknown. The portrait-like realism of the several "Ife Heads" that have been uncovered is unique in African art. The work itself is believed to be a depiction of an Ooni, a ruler of the West African kingdom of Ife that flourished between AD 1100 and 1500.

"Saint Mark"

Jan 1, 1413

Donatello (c.1386- c.1466). This 7 foot 9-inch statue stands in the Orsanmichelle Church in Florence, Italy. Donatello's work is noted for its intense realism where even veins can be seen on one of the hands. This was a major departure from the unrealistic symmetry of Dark Age sculpture. "Saint Mark" is regarded as one of the greatest artworks of the time period.

"En Katerine solennia/Virginalis contio/Sponsus amat sponsum"

Jan 1, 1420

Byttering (Unknown). "En Katerine solennia/Virginalis contio/Sponsus amat sponsum" is the most stylistic and famous musical pieces composed by English composer, Byttering. The piece was made famous for being the wedding song of King Henry V and Catherine of Valois in 1420.

"Annunciation Triptych"

Jan 1, 1425

Robert Campin (c.1375 - 1444) This rich iconographical work of Netherandish art is known for its three connecting panels and deep symbolism and is world-renown for its innovative use of oil.

"The Holy Trinity"

Jan 1, 1425

Masaccio (1401-1428). This early Italian Renaissance masterpiece was noted for its perspective, allowing kneeling patrons to always be looking directly at death with the promise of salvation always above. The work is located in the Dominican church of Santa Maria Novella, in Florence.

"The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden"

Jan 1, 1427

Masaccio (1401-1428). Another entry for Italian Early Renaissance artist Masaccio. This work depicts the emotional agony Adam and Eve felt as they were driven from the Biblical garden of Eden. Known for its overpowering emotional tone, "The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden" is a masterwork of emotional power and sorrow.

"David"

1430

Donatello (c.1386- 1466). This legendary work of bronzed sculptural art may be Donatello's most admired work. Contained in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, this revolutionary work of art was the first of its kind at the time for over 1000 years. The youthful appearance of David suggests an implication of divine intervention leading to victory.

"The Descent from the Cross"

Jan 1, 1435

Rogier van der Weyden (1400-1464). This brilliant work of art depicts the lifeless body of Christ being taken down from the cross after his death. The work is world-renown for its brilliant use of vibrant colors, realistic faces and subtle spacing. It can be found in Museo del Prado, Madrid.

"Battle of San Romano" (Part 1)

Jan 1, 1438

The Battle of San Romano I – Paolo Uccello (c.1397-1475); this painting is currently on display in the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. This work is divided into three separate murals depicting different scenes from the Battle of San Romano.

"Santa Lucia de' Magnoli Altarpiece"

Jan 1, 1445

Domenico Veneziano (c.1410 – 1461). completed in 1445 and is currently on display in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Paula Russell describes the painting's message, "This gorgeously colored work is one of the first examples of a sacred conversation, a conventional grouping of the Madonna and Infant Christ with saints arranged as if, you guessed it, they were engaged in a conversation." (Russell, P. "Reading" 2006)

"Gates of Paradise"

Jan 1, 1452

Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378 - 1455). This pair of gilded bronze doors were installed at the north entrance of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence. Considered among the greatest works of Early Renaissance sculpture, the relief panels demonstrated a mastery of linear perspective.

"Diptych of Federico da Montefeltro and Battista Sforza"

Jan 1, 1465

Piero della Francesca (c.1415-1492). This masterpiece of the double-portrait is highlighted by the mastery of Federico da Montefeltro and Battista Sforza dwarfing the landscape behind them, symbolizing their power over their dominion. This is regarded as Piero della Francesca's greatest work.

"Ceiling of the Camera Picta"

Jan 1, 1465

Andrea Mantegna (c.1431 – 1506). This work was painted between 1465 and 1474 and commissioned by Ludovico III Gonzaga, (the ruler of the Italian City of Mantua) and is notable for the use of three-dimensional details and perspective. The work is located in Mantua, Italy in the Palazzo Ducale.

"Madonna of the Magnificat"

Jan 1, 1480

Sandro Botticelli (c.1445-1510); date of production is contested among academics, most likely 1480-1481. It is now in the galleries of the Uffizi, in Florence.The work depicts the Holy Mother, Mary, holding Jesus as a baby while writing in a book, as two men, possibly angelic figures, hold a crown above her head. Mary's somber look pervades over the emotional tone of the piece.

"The Birth of Venus"

Jan 1, 1484

Sandro Botticelli ( c.1445 –1510). Botticelli's iconographic masterpiece depicts the goddess Venus arriving at the shore after her birth when she had emerged from the sea fully-grown. This is Botticelli's most iconic work and is arguably among works of the Italian Renaissance. Enormously popular, the work is appreciated across the world for its visual power.

"The Torment of Saint Anthony"

Jan 1, 1487

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475 –1564). Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance, Michelangelo painted this masterwork around the age of 12. The work depicts Saint Anthony being assaulted in the desert by demons, whose temptations he resisted. The work is emotionally striking as Saint Anthony resists the torment of evil forces.

"The Last Supper"

Jan 1, 1494

Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519). This iconic masterpiece is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan. It is one of the world's most famous paintings depicting the consternation that occurred among the Twelve Disciples when Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. Numerous hidden messages are claimed to be within the work,and its legacy as among the greatest artworks in human history has remained for centuries.

"The Pieta"

Jan 1, 1498

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475 – 1564). This world-famous work of sculptural mastery is kept in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. This work is a balance of Renaissance ideals classical beauty and naturalism, depicting the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion.