The birthplace of the Renaissance, the wealthy Republic of Florence was the early cultural capital of Italy. The Medici family, the city’s most powerful citizens, surrounded themselves with poets, scholars, and artists. The three giants of the Italian Renaissance have ties to Florence: the artistscientist, Leonardo da Vinci, the poet-artist, Michelangelo, and the artist-courtier, Raphael. This lecture will focus on their most celebrated masterpieces, such as “The Last Supper,” “Mona Lisa,” the “Sistine Chapel Ceiling,” and the “School of Athens.” We will decode their iconography, consider their meaning, and explore the definition of the Florentine style of art.

Length – 3 Weeks

Fridays (2 – 4pm)

Session II: November 6 – November 20