In the Footsteps of Piero della Francesca

Piero della Francesca is acknowledged as one of the foundational artists of the Renaissance. More than any other creator, he was responsible for the development of 15th-century painting in Florence and its crucial dissemination throughout Italy. His compositions marry art and science with cool precision and a sophisticated grasp of perspective—he was, after all, a mathematician. Francesca might in fact be defined as a “wandering painter” in the sense that he traveled continuously from the humble Tiber River valley where he was born to the great Italian courts.

Following his death in 1492, his artistic achievements faded from memory, only to be rediscovered in the mid-19th century and he later emerged as one of the most beloved and intriguing artists today. Join Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo  from her home in Italy as she follows Francesca’s extraordinary career and his journey through Tuscany, Umbria, and Urbino.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

Upcoming Fridays at Noon Programs

• Feb. 5: Florence
• March 12: Botticelli
• April 2: Mantua
• April 16: All Roads Lead to Rome Part I
• April 30: All Roads Lead to Rome Part II

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.

*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.