City rooftops and the Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore, Florence, Italy (2007-08-01) by Tetra ImagesGetty Images
Renaissance Florence was a hotbed of scientific, artistic, and poetic creativity. Many of art history's greatest names called Florence home. Scroll on to see if you can identify some of Firenze's famous residents...
David (1959) by MichelangeloLIFE Photo Collection
Artist 1
Our first artist is one of the biggest names in Florentine art. Responsible for some of the best-known works of all time, this painter and sculptor had a penchant for marble and a love of large, intricate imagery.
His best-known works include David, Madonna of Bruges and, of course, The Creation of Adam. So do you recognize this icon of the Florence art scene?
Study for Adam (1511) by Michelangelo BuonarrotiBritish Museum
Answer: Michelangelo
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, better known by just his first name, was born in Tuscany in 1475. He was sent to Florence as an apprentice and there was exposed to the burgeoning Renaissance. Today, Michelangelo’s work can be seen in museums and galleries in every corner of the world.
Madonna with Saints (1485) by Sandro BotticelliGemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Artist 2
Almost unknown until he was rediscovered by the pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century, our next painter was a master of large mythological imagery. Drawing inspiration from the Roman gods, the seasons and Christianity, this artist has had a lasting impact on the world of painting.
During his time in Florence, this painter was a neighbor and friend of explorer Amerigo Vespucci, the man for whom America is named. Other famous patrons included the Medici Family, one of the most powerful clans in Renaissance Italy.
Answer: Sandro Botticelli
Born in Florence in 1445, Sandro Botticelli is probably best known for The Birth of Venus, a striking image that depicts the moment the Roman goddess of love comes ashore after being born in the frothing waters off Cyprus. You can see a number of Botticelli works in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Madonna Terranuova (1505) by RaphaelGemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Artist 3
A painter and architect of the High Renaissance, this Florentine artist was incredibly prolific, leaving a huge body of work despite dying at the tender age of 37. A number of his images can be found in the Vatican where the painter decorated entire rooms with colorful frescos.
His most famous works include The School of Athens, The Sistine Madonna, and Transfiguration. Can you guess who we’re talking about?
Answer: Raphael
Born in the Marche region of Italy in 1483, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino's father was court painter to the local Duke. Although not from Florence, the city had a huge influence on his work and a large number of his paintings can still be found there.
Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, known as "Monna Lisa, la Gioconda" or "Mona Lisa", 1503-1519 (1503/1519) by Leonardo di ser Piero DA VINCI, dit Léonard de Vinci (1452 - 1519), Paris, musée du LouvreOriginal Source: Paris, Louvre Museum
Artist: 4
Another incredibly famous name from the golden age of Florence, this painter was one of the most innovative thinkers of his time. Known for his inventions, his ground breaking ideas and scientific mind, this artist was a true polymath.
Some of this painter’s most famous works include Vitruvian Man, The Last Supper and, if you need an even bigger clue, The Mona Lisa. So do you know which legendary painter we’re talking about?
Answer: Leonardo da Vinci
One of the most famous artists of all time, Leonardo was born in Tuscany in 1452. His influence stretches from painting and sculpture into philosophy, engineering and maths, making him arguably the most important figure of the Renaissance.
View of the Cathedral of S. Maria del Fiore, FlorenceTouring Club Italiano
Learn more about painters from Florence, and the city's influence on the Renaissance, here.
