The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, 16th century
Throughout the centuries, iconic works of art have faced banning, destruction, or alteration, as various factions attempt to assert control over what can be seen and how it should be understood. The period between 1300 and 1600 stands out as a particularly tumultuous time, with fierce debates over morality, beauty, and the role of art in society and for the individual soul.
The Bonfire of the Vanities—stoked by Dominican firebrand Girolamo Savonarola and his Florentine followers—serves as a striking example, an anti-Renaissance where artworks deemed morally suspect were cast into flames, illustrating the extreme measures taken to enforce societal norms. The destruction of “idols” and the whitewashing of church interiors during the Protestant Reformation further exemplify how religious and cultural shifts can obliterate centuries of artistic achievement. Iconoclastic movements challenged the status quo, leaving scars on Italian medieval paintings that signify broader historical perceptions of art and ethics.
Art historian Joseph Forte delves into these stories, examining the consequences of censorship and the various motivations behind them. He highlights the tensions even surrounding figures like the “divine” Michelangelo Buonarroti. The pervasive nudity in his Last Judgment was so controversial that a papal commission tasked his friend, Daniele da Volterra, with covering the male nudity and earned Daniele the nickname The Pantsmaker. He also explores the marginalization of artists like Caravaggio, whose rebellious spirit often clashed with prevailing morals. Forte’s exploration reveals the historical roots of these conflicts, showing how past struggles mirror today’s debates over artistic freedom and the pursuit of creative expression.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
General Information
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
