Italian Renaissance Masters Part I: Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci

The Renaissance, a genuine re-birth of culture in Italy between the late 15th and mid-16th century, saw extraordinary artistic accomplishments in painting and sculpture.

Artists found inspiration in the styles and subjects of ancient Greece and Rome while an interest in accurately—even scientifically—depicting the natural world developed. Recognition of the importance of the individual was reflected in art by the revival of portraiture and self-portraits.

Dr. Benton’s seminar, which focuses on Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, will be presented on two consecutive Fridays and includes light refreshments.

12-1 pm: Botticelli (1445-1510)

Sandro Botticelli depicted subjects taken from ancient art and literature, such as the Birth of Venus, with idealized, ethereal, immaterial figures of great beauty, created with flowing, undulating lines. Although the ideal proportions of antique anatomy were greatly admired, Botticelli’s figures display some perhaps surprising anomalies.

1-1:30 pm: Break for light refreshments

1:30-2:30 pm: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Regarded as the “Renaissance man,” Leonardo da Vinci was extremely adept in a variety of skills, including those of painter, architectural designer, engineer and inventor. He created the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, celebrated for her enigmatic facial expression.