Humanist Influence on Renaissance Art in Florence (1400–1520)

1. Greek teaching returns to Florence’s elite circles

   Jan 1, 1403Labels: Manuel Chrysoloras, Florence, Greek teaching

   • Britannica

2. Bruni praises Florence as a “civic” ideal

   Jan 1, 1404Labels: Leonardo Bruni, Civic humanism, Florence

   • Laudatio

3. Brunelleschi begins Florence Cathedral’s dome

   Jan 1, 1420Labels: Filippo Brunelleschi, Florence Cathedral, Dome

   • Cathedral
   • WGA

4. Masaccio’s Brancacci Chapel frescoes redefine sacred history

   Jan 1, 1423Labels: Masaccio, Brancacci Chapel, Sacred history

   • Britannica

5. Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise” commission begins

   Jan 1, 1425Labels: Lorenzo Ghiberti, Gates of, Baptistery

   • Britannica
   • OperaDuomo

6. Alberti writes “On Painting,” linking art and humanist learning

   Jan 1, 1435Labels: Leon Battista, De pictura, Perspective

   • Britannica
   • Alberti

7. Florence Cathedral dome is completed and consecrated

   Mar 25, 1436Labels: Brunelleschi, Florence Cathedral, Consecration

   • Cathedral
   • WGA

8. Council of Florence brings Greek-Platonic ideas into focus

   Jan 1, 1439Labels: Council of, Platonism, Greek scholars

   • Ficino SEP
   • Ficino

9. Cosimo de’ Medici supports Ficino’s Platonic circle at Careggi

   Sep 1, 1462Labels: Cosimo de', Marsilio Ficino, Careggi

   • Ficino SEP
   • Academy

10. Botticelli’s “Primavera” reflects courtly humanist themes

    Jan 1, 1482Labels: Sandro Botticelli, Primavera, Mythology

    • Florence
    • Primavera

11. Leonardo draws “Vitruvian Man,” joining anatomy and geometry

    Jan 1, 1490Labels: Leonardo da, Vitruvian Man, Human proportions

    • Britannica
    • Smarthistory

12. Savonarola’s Bonfire of the Vanities challenges humanist court culture

    Feb 7, 1497Labels: Girolamo Savonarola, Bonfire of, Florence

    • Bonfire

13. Michelangelo’s “David” is unveiled as a civic symbol

    Sep 8, 1504Labels: Michelangelo, David, Florence

    • HISTORY

14. Leonardo and Michelangelo receive rival mural commissions in Palazzo Vecchio

    Oct 1, 1504Labels: Leonardo da, Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio

    • Anghiari
    • Palazzo