The World of Renaissance Art

October 4, 11, 18 and 25

Traditionally, the study of Renaissance art begins with the rediscovery of the ancient world by artists and humanists, and focuses on Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. But there’s more to the Renaissance than our conventional image of Italy as the center of cultural change. The October Thursday Forum examines the richness of Italian Renaissance art and engages in a broader investigation of visual culture from the 14th to 16th centuries.

First, Art Professor Andrea Kann takes attendees to Northern Europe, examining works by 15th-century artists like Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden. These artists exploited the new technology of oil painting, rendering visions of a world so real they could paint themselves into it.

Next, attendees will visit the Italian peninsula in the 14th and 15th centuries, considering works by artists like Giotto and Donatello. From Florence to Padua, Kann investigates painting, sculpture and architecture in this period of rediscovery and innovation.

The third session visits 16th-century Italian Renaissance artists such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, and Mannerists like Parmigianino. Here ancient influences are assimilated, expanded and even distorted to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society.

The final session returns to Northern Europe in the 16th century, considering artists like Dürer, Bruegel and Bosch. In this era, new developments in Italy travel north, while local visual traditions are sustained and adapted for new societal needs.


Andrea Kann
Assistant Professor of Art