Fine Art - 1400 to 1499 CE

Il Zuccone

Jan 1, 1425

Created for the Florence Cathedral, Zuccone is appreciated because the statue's robe seems to be in motion. Its creator chanted "Speak, speak" while forming it from marble. (Artist: Donatello)

The Crippled and Sick Cured at the Tomb of St. Nicolas

Jan 1, 1425

Title and artist's information are plentiful online, but I was unable to locate a summary of this painting's content, or background on the work itself. (Artist: Gentile da Fabriano)

Adieu Ces Bons Vins De Lannoys

Jan 1, 1426

In English, the title of this song means, "Farewell These Good Wines of Lannoys." The song is a sorrowful farewell to the singer's home country, and is crooned as he disappears into the woods. While very little is very known about the composition of the song itself, its composer is said to be on of the greatest in the 15th century. (Composer: Guillaume Dufay, Listen Here)

The Holy Trinity, with the Virgin and Saint John and donors

Jan 1, 1427

Considered one of the artist's few masterpieces, this painting is famous for its use of an artistic technique called "trompe l'oeil," which translates to "deceives the eye." There is a point at eye level that seems to vanish, leaving a hole in the wall. (Artiist: Masaccio)

The Tribute Money

Jan 1, 1427

This painting is thought to have contributed to the launch of Renaissance art. It depicts Peter's removal of a coin from the mouth of a fish, and Jesus' teaching about it in Matthew 17:24–27. (Artist: Masaccio)

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Jan 1, 1430

This painting is hailed for appearing to have a three-dimensional quality. It is also appreciated for its use of light and for its unique usage of space. (Artist: Domenico di Bartolo)

Matteo Olivieri

Jan 1, 1430

This portrait of Matteo Olivieri does not come with very much background information, however it was created in the period of the Renaissance, and contains the vivid colors characteristic of the Renaissance period. (Artist: Unknown)

Château de Chenonceau

Jan 1, 1430

Located near the River Cher, this massive castle has been home to royalty and to their trusted consorts. (Architect: Philibert de l'Orme)

The Descent from the Cross

Jan 1, 1435

Originally intended intended for a chapel in Leuven. The piece is unique in that it does not depict any of the wounds of Jesus. One source indicates that "Despite all the action and people participating in it, [the artist] manages to create an atmosphere which is both convincing and intimate without a sense of crowdedness." (Artist: Rogier van der Weyden)

A Nywe Werke

Jan 1, 1450

This Christmas song is one of many that celebrated the virgin birth in the 15th century. Its intricate vocal harmony and simple accompaniment are classic to the era in which the song was written. (Composer: Unknown) Listen Here

The Entombment of Christ

Jan 1, 1450

This depiction of Joseph of Arimathea assisted in the burial process by Nicodemus with Virgin Mary , Saint John, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary of Clopas caring for the lifeless body of Jesus Christ is surprisingly carved entirely from wood. (Artist: Unknown)

Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Jan 1, 1450

This painting is believed to be a very influential depiction of Madonna and child. It is unique in that it depicts the presentation of the child to Mary, rather than showing him in her arms. (Artist: Filippo Lippi)

The Canterbury Tales

Jan 1, 1475

Published in 1475, this world-famous book contains the story of a group that decides to tell a series of stories while journeying together to visit the town of Canterbury. The author died before finishing his book and the works were published posthumously. It was hand-copied and tranferred from generation to generation prior to the advent of the printing press. (Author: Geoffrey Chaucer)

Lamentation over the Dead Christ

Jan 1, 1480

This painting depicts the lifeless body of Jesus on a slab, obviously inside a tomb. He is attended and mourned by the Virgin Mary and John the disciple. The painting offers a different perspective on the body of Jesus; most artists painted the profile of his body, while this painting shows a frontal view. (Artist: Andrea Mantegna)

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Jan 1, 1480

St. Catherine is often depicted with a sword, but this wooden sculpture depicts her with a sword in hand, pointed towards Emperor Maxentius, whom she has subdued and trapped under her feet. (Artist: Unknown)

St. Michael and St. Francis of Assisi

Jan 1, 1480

Like many other Renaissance paintings, this work depicts a deeply religious image. This image shows St. Michael the archangle's defeat of Satan and his posession of the scales of justice, which have been tipped in favor of Good. Assisi looks on with great surprise. (Artist: French School)

Christ Handing the Keys of the Kingdom to Saint Peter

Jan 1, 1481

Considered "the most famous painting in the Sistine Chapel before Michelangelo’s time" by ItalianRenaissance.org, this painting takes place in an idealized town square and shows the moment in scripture when Jesus promised the Kingdom of God to St. Peter. (Artist: Pietro Perugino)

Birth of Venus

Jan 1, 1485

This painting is well-known because it captures the surreal nature of the goddess Venus, even depicting her in a stance that would be impossible for a human woman to sustain. Her facial expression captures her humanity, adding to the endearing quality of her myth. (Artist: Sandro Botticelli)

Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table

Jan 1, 1485

This book retools the tales written by Sir Thomas Malory about King Arthur, Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. (Author: Thomas Malory)

The Saints of Coronation

Jan 1, 1486

This artist is known for mixing his colors to achieve bright and memorable hues. His bright colors were likely influenced by his teacher Lorenzo Monaco (Artist: Fra Angelico)

Athelhampton House

Jan 1, 1493

This beautifully-preserved architectural work was once a residence and church in service to the Church of England. It is now a public property that can be visited by tourists. (Architect: Unnamed; Unknown; Unspecified)

Sixteen Prophets

Jun 1, 1497

In this painting, the prophets are depicted at the left hand of Jesus, which Abbeville Press states is the proper position of the prophets according to the Bible. Podera Santa Pia notes, "The fresco mainly appeals for its luminous enamel-like colors, which have been liberated from much overpainting by the recent cleaning and restoration." (Artist: Fra Angelico)