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Renaissance
The Renaissance wasn’t a sudden explosion of genius — it was the product of centuries of political conflict, financial power, and a rediscovery of ancient ideas. These essays explore the art, architecture, and intellectual history of Renaissance Italy, from the early sculptors who reinvented how figures could look to the patrons, politicians, and cult leaders who shaped what got made and why. If you want to understand Michelangelo’s David, the Mona Lisa, or the Medici, this is where to start.
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Michelangelo’s David, Part 1: Understanding the Intellectual Origins of the Renaissance
Florence’s medieval history showcases its resilience against powerful enemies, relying on wealth for mercenary armies. As a republic, it fostered…
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History of Florence, Part 4: Savonarola and the Late Renaissance
The final essay examines the unstable final decades of Florentine republican life. It follows the decline of Medici prestige, the…
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History of Florence, Part 3: Renaissance Florence and the Rise of the Medici
This essay explores Florence during the fifteenth century, when the city became a major centre of humanist learning, artistic innovation,…
For people who want to understand history, not just know it.
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