The Renaissance

The Birth of Venus-Botticelli

Jan 1, 1485

The Renaissance is known to be one of the most important movements in history. One of its main characteristics is a revitalized interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. Seen here is The Birth of Venus by Botticelli. The painting depicts the birth of Venus, the goddess of love in Roman mythology. She is known as Aphrodite in Greek mythology.

The Vitruvian Man-Leonardo Da Vinci

Jan 2, 1490

The renaissance also focused on man and its individualization. The Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci was inspired by the Roman architect Vitruvius.

The Last Supper-Leonardo da Vinci

Jan 3, 1495

The Renaissance was also known as a time of criticism against the Roman Catholic religion. The Last Supper, one of Da Vinci's well-known creations, depicts the final supper between Jesus and his apostles. Unfortunately, barely anything of the original painting exists today.

The Pieta-Michelangelo

Jan 4, 1498

Michelangelo was one of the foremost painters and sculptors of the Renaissance. He and Da Vinci's works are synonymous with the time period. His Pietá shows the Virgin Mary carrying her son Jesus after the crucifixion. A powerful visual.

Madonna of Bruges-Michelangelo

Jan 5, 1501

Another one of Michelangelo's sculptures, focusing on religious images, the Madonna showcases The Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus. It is known to be similar to The Pietá.

David of Michelangelo

Jan 6, 1501

Probably the most famous artwork in his repertoire, his David is probably the best-known example, next to Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, of the movement known as the High Renaissance, which was seen more in the Italian States rather than the rest of Europe.

Annunciation by Raphael

Jan 7, 1503

Raphael, along with Da Vinci and Michelangelo, were known as the three great painters of the High Renaissance. Even though he died at the young age of 37, he had created numerous works of art. This one depicts the moment where the archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is with child, carrying the son of God.

The Three Graces-Raphael

Jan 8, 1503

Going back to the interpretation of Greek and Roman interpretation common in the Renaissance, Raphael gives this interpretation of these classic Greek mythological figures. There's also a difference between the left and right women. One represents a youthful body and the other represents a more mature figure. This can be seen as an interpretation of the passage of time.

Mona Lisa - Leonardo Da Vinci

Jan 9, 1503

If there was another artwork besides Michelangelo's David that is constantly associated with the Renaissance, is the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda. It is also known for Da Vinci trying a new concept that involved the model being shown at arm's length, sitting. He did not invent the concept, but it wasn't well known at the time. After Da Vinci used it, others emulated him.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling-Michelangelo

Jan 10, 1508

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling, a grand undertaking for its creator, is known as one of the cornerstone artworks of the High Renaissance period. The term itself has been criticized because of its selection of certain artworks as its representation.

The School of Athens-Raphael

Jan 11, 1509

Another painting commissioned for the Vatican, Raphael's The School of Athens represents the concept of philosophy and how it is in tune with one of The Renaissance's famous characteristics: a return to the classics.

The Creation of Adam-Michelangelo

Jan 12, 1512

The Creation of Adam is part of the paintings commissioned by Pope Julius II as part of the paintings in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It is also known as one of the most recreated religious paintings of all time.

Bacchus and Ariadne-Titian

Jan 13, 1520

Originally, Raphael was to create this painting but after his death in 1520, the commission was given to Titian. Depicting the moment where Bacchus appears before a dejected Ariadne after falling in love with her at first sight.

Sir Thomas More and Family

Jan 14, 1527

Hans Holbein the Younger was one of the most important painters of the 16th century. He created using a North Renaissance style and his repertoire included satire, religious art, and Reformist propaganda, the opposite from the High Renaissance period. This portrait, a copy after the original one was lost, depicts the Humanist Sir Thomas More with his family. Humanism is a focus on humans and their potential. Something that was seen much in the Renaissance.

Venus of Urbino - Titian

Jan 15, 1532

This painting by Titian falls in line with the focus on humanity, but he takes it a step forward with The Venus of Urbino. Although Venus' pose is attributed to the painter Giorgione, Titian had a more sexually charged outlook for the painting, by placing Venus inside, lying on a bed.

The Ambassadors-Hans Holbein the Younger

Jan 16, 1533

Although the identity of the ambassadors has been debated, the symbolism in the painting in regards to the object between the two men provides another glimpse into Holbein's mind and the interests he pursued. A curious thing about this painting is the anamorphic skull, how distorted and clear it can look from a different point of view.

Jane Seymour, Queen of England - Hans Holbein the Younger

Jan 17, 1536

Holbein's repertoire of portraits wouldn't be complete without this painting of the third wife of Henry VIII. She was Henry's favorite wife, but she died in childbirth giving birth to the son he craved. Talk about irony.

Portrait of Christina, Duchess of Milan - Hans Holbein the Younger

Jan 18, 1538

This portrait was one commissioned by Henry VIII in order to choose a 4th wife after Jane Seymour's passing. Holbein had to be as accurate as possible in order to please his benefactor. The Duchess of Milan for rejecting the king with this iconic line: "If I had two heads, one should be at the King of England's disposal."

Portrait of Anne of Cleves - Hans Holbein the Younger

Jan 19, 1539

Holbein was to be as accurate as possible, showcasing each lady's beauty. Henry VIII chose Anne because of this portrait. However, there is some controversy with this portrait because apparently, the lady did not look exactly like the painting.

The Fall of the Rebel Angels - Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Jan 20, 1562

Although this is a religious painting, portraying the fall of Lucifer, Bruegel painted this in tribute to Bosch, based on the figures inside the painting.