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Jan 1, 1450
Self Portrait by Jean Fouquet
This is believed to be the first portrait miniature. These miniatures would become much more popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is possible that this is also the earliest formal self portrait. -
Period: Jan 1, 1450 to Dec 31, 1500
Art 1450-1500
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Jan 1, 1452
Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels by Jean Fouquet
This painting is one side of the Melun Diptych. It depicts Madonna and the Christ child. It presents a very vivid combination of realistic and supernatural painting. -
Jan 1, 1455
Gutenberg Bible
The Gutenberg Bible was not the first book printed on the Gutenberg printing press, but it is the most famous and recognized. The Bibles were printed between 1450 and 1455. -
Jan 1, 1460
The Coëtivy Master by Olivier de Coëtivy
This book of hours represents the creation of illuminated manuscripts during the time period. Because of the rise of the printed book, illuminated manuscripts became primarily works collected by the wealthy. These books were valued more for their artistry than their usability. -
Jan 1, 1460
Palazzo Medici Riccardi by Michelozzo de Bartolomeo
This palace represents the Renaissance style of architecture with a focus on balance and classical influences. Its style seems timeless. It looks like a building that could have been built at any point in history. -
Jan 1, 1467
Lofty Mt. Lu by Shen Zhou
Shen Zhou founded the Wu School of painting in China. This school celebrated the scholar-painter. -
Jan 1, 1470
Santa Maria Novella by Leon Battista Alberti
Alberti transformed a traditional Gothic church to fit within the Renaissance style of geometric designs inspired by classical examples. This examples draws from Roman temples. -
Jan 1, 1470
Scenes from the Passion of Christ by Hans Memling
Memling was a German painter. This painting shows 23 scenes from Christ's life. It demonstrates some of the common themes of Renaissance painting. -
Jan 1, 1478
la Giostra by Angelo Poliziano
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This poem may have served as inspiration for Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." The piece is representative of the interest in during the Renaissance in studying classical myths. -
Jan 1, 1482
Sistene Chapel by Baccio Pontelli and Giovanni de Dolci
The Sistine Chapel was restored between 1477 and 1480. The frescos were completed and the chapel was consecrated in 1482. The interior of the chapel is an iconic example of fresco art. -
Jan 1, 1485
Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
Full TextOne of the best-known works of Arthurian literature in English. Malory's work translated and compiled Arthurian stories into English. The piece was written in Middle English, but it is closer to Early Modern English than Canterbury Tales. -
Jan 1, 1485
Ave Maria (Virgo Serena) by Josquin des Prez
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A motet that is considered to be one of the most popular works of 15th century music. -
Jan 1, 1485
La Primavera by Sandro Botticelli
This painting is also known as the Allegory of Spring. The elaborate depictions have been the source of consideration since its composition. -
Jan 1, 1486
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
This piece depicts Venus emerging from the sea as a full-grown woman. The style of the painting is somewhat different than most Renaissance paintings, even others by Botticelli. This style could be an attempt to echo the style of Greek vases. -
Jan 1, 1486
The Last Judgment by Hironymus Bosch
This is a triptych depicting Christ sitting in judgment. This is one of Bosch's earlier works, but it is representative of his style. He takes religous ideas and depicts them in a fantastic way. -
Jan 1, 1490
Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci
This piece represents the combination of art and science that was popular during the Renaissance. It also shows da Vinci's interest in proportion. -
Jan 1, 1495
Elckerlijc by Peter van Diest
This is a Dutch morality play which was very well-received by its contemporary audience. It is considered to be the original source for the English play "Everyman." Some scholars believe the opposite is true, but most evidence points to this being the case. -
Jan 1, 1498
Pieta by Michelangelo
A Renaissance work on display in St. Peter's Basilica. The piece was created as a funeral monument for a cardinal. It shows Jesus' body in Mary's lap. This piece was the first Italian sculpture to depict Mary's grief at losing her son. It is also the only piece ever signed by Michelangelo. -
Jan 1, 1498
Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
One of da Vinci's most famous works, this piece is in in the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan. It depicts the last supper of Jesus and his disciples. In particular, it focuses on the way the scene is described in John 13. -
Jan 1, 1498
Missa Prolationum by Johannes Ockeghem
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Note: Date is an estimate of the earliest preserved evidence of the mass. It is likely that it was written earlier, but is generally dated within the second half of the fifteenth century.
This is possibly the first multi-part work focused on a single canonic principle. It is a mass.
