Donatello (1386 - 1466)
Donatello was a sculptor and one of the pioneers in Renaissance art. He lived in
Florence, Italy at the start of the Renaissance. He was a humanist and interested in
Greek and Roman sculpture. He introduced new ways of creating depth and
perspective in art. Some of Donatello's most famous sculptures include David, St.
Mark, the Gattamelata, and the Magdalene Penitent.
Jan van Eyck (1395 - 1441)
Jan van Eyck was a Flemish painter (from Belgium). He is often known as the "father
of oil painting" because of all the new techniques and advances he made in oil
painting. Van Eyck was known for extraordinary detail in his paintings. His works
include the Arnolfini Portrait, Annunciation, Lucca Madonna, and the Ghent Altarpiece.
Masaccio (1401 - 1428)
Masaccio is often called the "father of Renaissance painting". He was born in Florence.
He introduced the painting of lifelike figures and realism to his subjects that had not
been done previously in the Middle Ages. He also used perspective and light and
shadow in his paintings. Many painters in Florence studied his frescos in order to learn
how to paint. His works include Tribute Money, Holy Trinity, and Madonna and Child.
Botticelli (1445 - 1510)
Botticelli was a ward of the Medici family of Florence during the growth of the Italian
Renaissance. He painted a number of portraits for the Medici family as well as many
religious paintings. He is probably most famous for his paintings on the Sistine Chapel
at the Vatican in Rome. His works include The Birth of Venus, Adoration of the Magi,
and The Temptation of Christ.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
Often called the true "Renaissance Man", Leonardo was an artist, scientist, sculptor,
and architect. He was born in Florence. As an artist, his paintings are some of the most
known paintings in the world including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
Michelangelo (1475 - 1564)
Michelangelo was a sculptor, artist, and architect. He lived and created his art all over
Italy. He was considered to be the greatest artist during his time. He is famous for both
his sculptures and his paintings. His two most famous sculptures are the Pietà and
David. His most known paintings are frescos on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Raphael (1483 - 1520)
Raphael was a painter during the High Renaissance. He spent most of his life as an
artist in Rome. His paintings were known for their perfection. He painted many portraits
as well as hundreds of paintings of angels and the Madonna. His works include the
The School of Athens, Portrait of Pope Julius II, and the Disputation of the Holy
Sacrament.