Tuscany’s Greatest Renaissance Artists
It’s no secret that some of the most famous works of art were made during the Renaissance period (which started in the 14th century and ended in the 17th), including pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper.
Since Tuscany was home to some of the greatest artists of all time, including world-famous names like Michelangelo, you’re sure to find that there are countless examples of amazing Renaissance art to be found here. From architecture, to paintings; there’s plenty of beautiful items from a range of native artists to enjoy in this part of Italy.
Donatello
Donatello (1386 – 1466) is most famous for his bronze sculpture of David, which can be seen in the Bargello Museum.
This statue is truly magnificent, not only for the amount of craftsmanship that went into the piece, but also for what is symbolizes; reason over brutality. Another thing that makes this sculpture an amazing piece of art is the distinct blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
This isn’t the only masterpiece to come from the brilliant mind of Donatello, but it’s certainly one of the best from the Renaissance period.
Botticelli
Another one of the amazing artists from this time was Botticelli (1445 – 1510). You’re likely to have seen the Primavera, an iconic painting that’s best known for being a symbol of the Renaissance period. While it may seem to be late Gothic in terms of style, the meaning behind the painting is often considered to be renascent.
This work of art is housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Tuscany, so be sure to visit this museum if you want to see the masterpiece for yourself.
Masaccio
Some of the most beautiful frescoes of the Renaissance period can be found in the Brancacci Chapel, and these were created by the magnificent artist Masaccio (1401 – 1428). There are many amazing examples to choose from, but Tribute Money and Expulsion from the Garden of Eden are often thought to be the best frescoes in the chapel.
The perspective and realism is so incredible that Masaccio’s name is often included in fundamental texts about paintings in early-Renaissance Florence.
Ghirlandaio
The Brancacci Chapel is far from the only amazing chapel to feature stunning Renaissance frescoes. Domenico Ghirlandaio (1448 – 1494) for example, is the creator of the Stories of Saint Francis in the Sassetti Chapel in Santa Trinita Church. More of his works include the Scenes from the Virgin Mary and Saint John Baptist’s Lives, which can be found in the Santa Maria Novella in the Tornabuoni Chapel.
These are fine examples of the excellent work that this artist produced, and further proof that some of the greatest art ever made came from Tuscany during the Renaissance period.
