The birth of Venus (1483 - 1485) by Sandro BotticelliUffizi Gallery
The Renaissance was a time when art and culture was reborn, emerging from centuries of stagnation during the Middle Ages. Based on a rediscovery of classical philosophy, the movement has been seen by many to mark the beginning of the modern age. Art was a huge part of this new movement.
But can you name the artistic geniuses behind these Renaissance masterpieces?
La Primavera (Spring) (1481 - 1482) by Botticelli FilipepiUffizi Gallery
Painting 1 - 'Primavera'
The title means spring in Italian and is believed to have been created around 1482, making it one of the most famous early examples of Renaissance art.
Many critics have attempted to interpret the painting and develop explanations about its meaning. For some, it is a mythical allegory while others say it is was commissioned by the legendary Medici family to celebrate a marriage in the family.
The unusual use of color and huge array of plant species featured have also led to many other different interpretations of the work, making it one of the most controversial paintings in the world.
But who painted it?
Boticelli
This seasonal masterpiece is currently located in the legendary Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to some of the world's best Renaissance art.
The Sistine Madonna (1512 - 1513) by RaphaelOld Masters Picture Gallery, Dresden State Art Museums
Painting 2 - 'Sistine Madonna'
This painting, known as the Sistine Madonna, was completed in 1512. The painting shows Mary holding baby Jesus in her hands with Saint Barbara and Saint Sixtus on each side of her, with two cherubs underneath.
This is considered one of the most important paintings of the Renaissance. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II to honour his late uncle, Pope Sixtus IV. The commission required that the painting feature both Saints Sixtus and Barbara.
For many years, the painting resided in Dresden but had to be rescued from the Allied bombing campaign during World War II. It was moved to the Soviet Union but returned to Germany after the death of Stalin in 1953.
But do you know the artist?
Raphael
Since its return in the 1950s, the painting has been displayed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, which specialises in displaying Renaissance art.
The Last Supper (c.1515-20) by Attributed to Giampietrino and Giovanni Antonio BoltraffioRoyal Academy of Arts
Painting 3 - 'The Last Supper'
Created in 1498, The Last Supper is an incredibly important painting of the Renaissance period and for art history in general. The image shows Jesus with his disciples during the last supper before his crucifixion.
The work is noted for its unusual use of color, light, and the anatomical nature of the figures in the picture. This painting has perhaps been the subject of more discussion and conjecture than any other in history, including the idea that it contains secret messages or codes hidden within the images.
Despite (or perhaps thanks to) all the controversy and debate, The Last Supper remains a defining masterpiece of the Renaissance.
But who painted it?
Leonardo da Vinci
This 1520 copy of The Last Supper, done by Giampietrino, can be found on the walls of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Lady with an Ermine (circa. 1489) by Leonardo da VinciThe National Museum in Krakow
Want to know more about Renaissance art?
You can discover some little known facts about Leonardo da Vinci here.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.