Fine Art from the 15th Century

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Jan 1, 1420

The Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy, was designed and constructed with a mixture of Classical and Gothic architecture. Inside the Basilica, which is covered by a white marble exterior, is a collection of valuable church artifacts as well as fine art pieces, such as The Holy Trinity by Masaccio.

The Tribute Money

Jan 1, 1425

The Tribute Money is a fresco by Masaccio depicting a passage from the Gospel of Matthew in a series of three scenes. It recounts the story of Jesus telling Peter to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” by way of the tax collector. The piece is particularly known for its depth through the use of shadows.

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

Jan 1, 1425

The Holy Trinity, with the Virgin and Saint John and donors by Masaccio is an early 15th Century fresco that depicts Christ on the cross attended to by the Virgin Mary and St. John. Two others kneel at the foot of the cross. The Holy Trinity is considered to be Masaccio’s most famous piece and fell in line with similar works showcasing the foundational Christian truth.

Christ and the Virgin

Jan 1, 1430

Christ and the Virgin is an oil on panel by Robert Campin and depicts the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus, in close proximity amidst a background of gold. Mary is in prayer while Christ is offering a blessing. The painting is dated 1430 to 1435.

Ghent Altarpiece

Jan 1, 1432

The Ghent Altarpiece, painted over time by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck and completed in 1432, is a 12-piece paneled work that depicts various Biblical images. The pieces are grand both within the collection and singularly, showcasing intricate detail and texture in realistic form.

Portrait of a Man in a Red Turban

Jan 1, 1433

Portrait of a Man in a Red Turban, also known simply as Portrait of a Man, was painted by Jan van Eyck in 1433. It is dramatic in its shading, detail, and the subject’s strong stare. The oil painting is rumored to be a self portrait but there is little evidence to support this.

Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower (Florence Cathedral)

Jan 1, 1436

While construction of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower began in the late 1200s, and took more than 100 years to construct, it was consecrated in 1436 and remains to be the primary cathedral in Florence, Italy. It was originally designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, a prominent 13th Century architect, but the dome was constructed to completion by Filippo Brunelleschi at the turn of the 15th Century.

The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata

Jan 1, 1453

Located in Padua, Italy, The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello (1453) is a bronze, life-size sculpture that portrays the Italian mercenary Erasmo da Narni upon his strong horse. It took ten years for the artist to complete it. The statue is known for its classic look with minimal ornamentation.

The Dance of Salome

Jan 1, 1461

The Dance of Salome by Benozzo Gozzoli is a one-panel painting that depicts three aspects of a singular passage from the Gospel of Matthew. In one scene, Gozzoli combines the dancer, Salome, who is performing for King Herod, the beheading of John of the Baptist, and, in the center, the presentation of John’s head to Salome’s mother.

Annunciation

Jan 1, 1472

Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation shows the angel Gabriel approaching Mary to make known to her that she is carrying the Christ child. Painted in 1472, da Vinci showcased his classic style of draped clothing, picturesque backgrounds, and a symmetrical balance of space and lines.

Portrait of a Man at Prayer with Saint John the Baptist

Jan 1, 1475

Hugo van der Goes completed Portrait of a Man at Prayer with Saint John the Baptist in 1475, when portraits such as this were common. Originally part of a panel set, the oil painting is now regarded on its own particularly because of the emotion evoked by the man’s seriousness.

Saint Jerome in his Study

Jan 1, 1475

Saint Jerome in his Study by Antonello da Messina is wrought with symbolism, which was in keeping with the artist’s style. Though da Messina primarily painted portraits, this particular work is known for its spectacular detail surrounding the subject, who is small in comparison to the rest of the painting.

Madonna of the Carnation

Jan 1, 1478

On display in Munich, Germany, da Vinci’s Madonna of the Carnation depicts the Virgin Mary with her infant son, Jesus. Painted in 1478, it represents the prevalence of religious works created in the earliest Renaissance era.

Pilate's Dispute with the High Priest

Jan 1, 1480

Pilate’s Dispute with the High Priest; The Holy Women and St. John at Golgotha is a triptych, or tri-paneled piece, painted by Gerard David that originally included Christ Nailed to the Cross. Art historians surmise it was created between 1480 and 1485.

Primavera

Jan 1, 1482

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli depicts six women in positions designed to express fertility and sentiments of love. Likewise, it exhibits the fruits of Spring, as shown by the blooming fruit tree. Like The Birth of Venus, Primavera is painted in warm tones with brilliant light upon the subjects’ mythological faces.

The Birth of Venus

Jan 1, 1486

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli is regarded as one of the prominent and noteworthy pieces of the 1400s. Painted in 1486, the tempera is of the full-grown goddess being born of a shell from the sea. The colors are warm yet bright, portraying a dream-like image. Venus is ethereal, the ideal form, and perfectly lit. The painting is both Classical and Renaissance.

Virgin Surrounded by Female Saints

Jan 1, 1488

Virgin Surrounded by Female Saints, presumedly painted in 1488 by Master of the Saint Lucy Legend, shows the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child with eleven women around them. Each of the “saints” is holding an object significant to them and, therefore, gives a hint into their identities.

Architectural Veduta

Jan 1, 1490

Architectural Veduta by Francesco di Giorgio Martini is a large, detailed oil painting of what he perceived to be the ideal city.

The Unicorn in Captivity

Jan 1, 1495

As part of “The Unicorn Tapestries,” The Unicorn in Captivity is often the most recognizable. Wool and silk are woven together with metallic thread to show a contented unicorn enclosed in a fence. The mythical creature is surrounded by a field of symbolic flowers and one ripe pomegranate tree. The work is dated at approximately 1495. The artist is unknown.

The Last Supper

Jan 1, 1495

Painted at the end of the 15th Century, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is regarded as a masterpiece, not only be art critics but also by many of the Christian faith. The artist positioned Christ in the center of a long table, accompanied by his disciples, on the eve of his arrest. Set aside intentionally is Judas, the one who would betray Jesus. The painting was done with tempura rather than the traditional fresco style.

Parnassus

Jan 1, 1497

Parnassus by Andrea Mantegna is an allegory of Italian political figures from Mantua using characters from Mythology. Muses dance below prominently placed, and controversial, Venus and Mars. The piece is a classic representation of Mantegna’s style and technique.