Venice, the Grand Canal, and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute (Photo: Courtesy of Nigel McGilchrist)
Florence and Venice were both rich, confident, and magnificently beautiful cities—powerhouses of Renaissance creativity. Yet they were vastly different in their character and artistic, intellectual, and political aspirations. Art historian Nigel McGilchrist explores the tale of these two cities and the artists they nurtured, in particular the contrasting geniuses of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian.
He examines why so much suddenly happened in the hitherto insignificant town of Florence and why, after three generations of achievements by Leonardo and Michelangelo, the city abruptly fell from artistic preeminence. He also explores why the spirit of the Renaissance came to Venice much later and in such a different form—and how the water in which the city is built became crucial to the future of Western art.
McGilchrist has been a consultant to the Italian government on conservation in the fine arts, dean of European studies for a consortium of American universities and colleges, and now lectures widely in Europe and the United States on ancient and Renaissance art.
10–11 a.m. The Origins of Florentine Ascendancy
The causes behind the wide-ranging artistic revolution in 14th-century Italy, and the highly innovative character of early Florentine art.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Florence Discovers Northern Europe
The ambivalent relationship between Florentine masters and the brilliance of Flemish painting; the possibilities created by the new and lustrous technique of Van Eyck and his followers.
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. The Artistic Transformation of Venice
How a deeply conservative city with a Byzantine artistic tradition quickly became a paragon of modernity, sensuality, and emotion in the visual arts.
2–3 p.m. Titian: Oil Technique, Canvas, and Modern Painting
Titian’s simplicity as a person and his flexibility as a painter rescued Italian painting from academic rigidity and made Venice an undisputed leader of European art for generations to come.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit*
General Information
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
