In the 15th and 16th centuries, portraits played a vital role in every aspect of human life: childhood, politics, friendship, courtship, marriage, old age, and death. It was also widely believed that a person’s appearance mirrored their soul, with physical beauty indicating qualities such as morality, virtue, and religious devotion. As such, artists developed highly individual approaches to the representation of ideal beauty.
Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo provides fresh insights into fundamental issues of likeness, memory, and identity as she reveals a remarkable community of Renaissance personalities—from princes, envoys, and merchants to clergymen, tradesmen, and artists.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
Additional Art-full Friday Programs
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.
