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Renaissance Art Timeline

(14th to 17th century)

The Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic transformation, saw the emergence of some of the most iconic art in history. From the revival of classical motifs to the exploration of new techniques, Renaissance art marked a turning point in the history of Western art. More Less

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Artistic Innovations

Introduction of Linear Perspective

1413

Filippo Brunelleschi introduces linear perspective, revolutionizing the way artists depict space and depth in their artworks.

Image source: Perspective (graphical)

Introduction of Linear Perspective

Iconic Artworks

Completion of the Baptistry Doors

1424

Lorenzo Ghiberti completes the gilded bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, showcasing his mastery of relief sculpture.

Image source: Florence Baptistery

Completion of the Baptistry Doors

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

1498

Leonardo da Vinci completes his masterpiece "The Last Supper" in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Image source: The Last Supper (Leonardo)

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

Michelangelo's "David" Unveiled

1504

Michelangelo's magnificent marble sculpture "David" is unveiled in Florence, showcasing his exceptional skill in capturing human anatomy.

Image source: David (Michelangelo)

Michelangelo's "David" Unveiled

Raphael's "The School of Athens"

1511

Raphael completes "The School of Athens," a fresco in the Vatican depicting a gathering of classical philosophers and artists.

Image source: The School of Athens

Raphael's "The School of Athens"

Albrecht Dürer's "Melencolia I"

1514

Albrecht Dürer creates "Melencolia I," a print that explores the melancholic temperament and the artist's own introspection.

Image source: Melencolia I

Albrecht Dürer's "Melencolia I"

Titian's "Venus of Urbino"

1538

Titian completes "Venus of Urbino," a provocative reclining nude that becomes an iconic representation of the female form.

Image source: Venus of Urbino

Titian's "Venus of Urbino"

El Greco's "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz"

1588

El Greco completes "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," a monumental religious painting showcasing his distinctive style.

Image source: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz

El Greco's "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz"

Caravaggio's "The Calling of St. Matthew"

1599

Caravaggio paints "The Calling of St. Matthew," exemplifying his mastery of chiaroscuro and naturalistic portrayal of religious subjects.

Image source: The Calling of St Matthew

Caravaggio's "The Calling of St. Matthew"

Peter Paul Rubens' "The Descent from the Cross"

1612

Rubens completes "The Descent from the Cross," a dramatic and emotionally charged masterpiece.

Image source: The Descent from the Cross (Rubens, 1612–1614)

Peter Paul Rubens' "The Descent from the Cross"

Rembrandt's "The Night Watch"

1642

Rembrandt paints "The Night Watch," a dynamic group portrait that defies traditional conventions.

Image source: The Night Watch

Rembrandt's "The Night Watch"

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring"

1665

Johannes Vermeer creates "Girl with a Pearl Earring," a captivating portrait that epitomizes the beauty and mystery of the Dutch Golden Age.

Image source: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring"

Francisco Goya's "The Third of May 1808"

1814

Francisco Goya paints "The Third of May 1808," a powerful depiction of the Spanish resistance against French occupation during the Peninsular War.

Image source: The Third of May 1808

Francisco Goya's "The Third of May 1808"

Patronage and Institutions

Founding of the Vatican Library

1475

Pope Sixtus IV establishes the Vatican Library, becoming a significant center for the preservation and study of Renaissance art and literature.

Image source: Vatican Library

Founding of the Vatican Library

Establishment of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling

1508

Pope Julius II commissions Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, resulting in one of the most celebrated works of art in history.

Image source: Sistine Chapel ceiling

Establishment of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Creation of the Uffizi Gallery

1560

Cosimo I de' Medici establishes the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, housing a vast collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Image source: Uffizi

Creation of the Uffizi Gallery

Foundation of the Accademia di San Luca

1593

The Accademia di San Luca is founded in Rome, providing a professional platform for artists and promoting artistic excellence.

Image source: Accademia di San Luca

Foundation of the Accademia di San Luca

Foundation of the Royal Society

Nov 28, 1660

The Royal Society is founded in London, becoming a significant institution for scientific and artistic advancements during the Renaissance.

Image source: Royal Society

Foundation of the Royal Society

Influential Artists

Birth of Artemisia Gentileschi

Jul 8, 1593

Artemisia Gentileschi, a prominent female artist of the Baroque period, is born in Rome.

Image source: Artemisia Gentileschi

Birth of Artemisia Gentileschi

Birth of Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Dec 7, 1598

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, an influential sculptor and architect, is born in Naples.

Image source: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Birth of Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Key Facts

  1. The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic rebirth in Europe.
  2. Artists during the Renaissance explored new techniques and perspectives, leading to significant advancements in art.
  3. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael are among the most famous artists of the Renaissance.
  4. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century facilitated the dissemination of art and artistic ideas.
  5. Classical motifs and themes from ancient Greece and Rome heavily influenced Renaissance art.

Source

This Renaissance Art timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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