Who Was Giotto and Why Was He So Important?
A fly that a Tuscan boy named Giotto may have painted, once, set the Italian Renaissance abuzz. It was so true to life, according to the art historical legend that trails Giotto to this day, that Cimabue, the master painter he was apprenticed to, believed it was an actual pest. “Returning to his work, he […]
Andrea Mantegna, Dead Christ
Andrea Mantegna, Lamentation over the Dead Christ, c. 1483, tempera on canvas, 68 x 81 cm (Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan) A conversation between Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Read more about Andrea Mantegna: Andrea Mantegna, One of the Great Renovators of Western Art
Italian Painting of the Later Middle Ages
Until the late eleventh century, southern Italy occupied the western border of the vast Byzantine empire. Even after this area fell under Norman rule in about 1071, Italy maintained a strong link with Byzantium through trade, and this link was expressed in the art of the period. Large illustrated Bibles (“giant Bibles”) and Exultet Rolls—liturgical […]
Cimabue: Grandfather of the Italian Renaissance
Often considered one of the early pioneers of the Italian Renaissance, Cimabue’s life, work, and influence continues to be misrepresented or, perhaps, misunderstood. Historically Cimabue has been overshadowed by his pupil Giotto, a narrative which was promoted by Renaissance literary stalwarts ranging from Vasari to Dante. However, Cimabue’s work is finally being viewed in a […]
The Renaissance, History of ideas (Video)
The Renaissance is a historical period with several lessons to teach us about how to improve our world today. Its study should not only be for its importance, but for its relevance to our future.
Behind the Scenes at a Transfer of Early Renaissance Works at the National Gallery
Curator Laura Llewellyn works with art handlers to arrange and hang a selection of 15th-century Italian paintings in Room 14. The Sainsbury Wing galleries have closed for the time being, to keep the collections safe while building work is carried to mark our bicentenary and transform our visitor welcome. To ensure treasured paintings from the […]