The High Renaissance.
The pinnacle of Italian Art.

The beginning of the new century was viewed with relief, many had feared that the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth, the Cinquecento, would signify the end of the world. However, the great masters of the High Renaissance embraced the new century with renewed determination, a new sense of optimism had emerged. Three exceptional artists Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Raphael Sanzio significantly contributed to this new age each creating masterful works of outstanding quality.

Crucially commissions from the the State, Popes, and Nobility were vital. Important figures such as Pope Leo x and many others engaged the best artists for their projects. The many works of art commissioned by wealthy patrons cemented their status of power and privilege. 

Artists of the Italian High Renaissance.

Leonardo da Vinci, a multi-talented genius from Florence is known for his artistic and scientific achievements. Regarded as the quintessential renaissance man he is known for mastering the sfumato technique. The Sfumato technique involves blurring the lines and borders within paintings creating a smoky effect allowing transitions of colour to blend creating a greater sense of realism. Leonardo’s paintings include the world famous Mona Lisa, the Last Supper and one of his final paintings, St John the Baptist.

Michelangelo Buonarroti’s stunning sculptures such as his David, arguably the worlds most famous statue, is a masterpiece in marble. His astonishing Biblical paintings on the Sistine Chapel ceiling depicting scenes from the creation to Noah’s flood have captured generations who visit the chapel to gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s skill.

Raphael Sanzio’s work in the Pope’s private Vatican rooms the Stanzi include the School of Athens a part of one of the greatest painting cycles in the world. Raphael’s many portraits of popes and nobility are renowned for their depth and realism. A favourite of the Papal Court Raphael passed away in Rome at the early age of 37.

Giovanni Bellini was part of an artistic family dynasty from Venice, both his father Jacopo and his older brother Gentile were celebrated artists in the city. On the death of Gentile in 1507 Giovanni became the most prominent artist in Venice, he was the head of a famous workshop whose pupils included Giorgione and Titian.

Giorgione was born in Castelfranco Veneto, a town just outside of Venice. Although much of his life remains a mystery, Giorgione became a favourite of the Doge of Venice who provided the artist with commissions. His complex painting the Tempest with it’s dark sky and flashes of lightening is one of the first true landscapes of the era.

Paolo Veronese was born in the city of Verona. However, it is in Venice where he created his most memorable work. Veronese’s huge painting the Marriage at Cana contains over 130 figures, it is a masterpiece created by an incredibly gifted artist.

Titian, a direct contemporary of Michelangelo is renowned for his use of colour, his handling of paint and brushwork made him famous in his own lifetime. Titian’s work includes a series of astonishing mythological paintings commissioned by the Duke of Ferrara. Titian also completed many portraits and amazing altarpieces such as his two incredible offerings in the church of the Frari in Venice. Known as a ‘prince of painters’ he became the pre-eminent artist in Venice and beyond.

Jacopo Robusti commonly known as Tintoretto was a late Renaissance master from Venice. He was a great admirer of Michelangelo and it is possible that Tintoretto met Michelangelo on a visit to Rome in 1545. Tintoretto’s series of wonderful paintings in the church of Scuola di San Rocco in Venice cover the walls and ceiling creating a visually stunning spectacle.