by J Robbins

Created on: May 12, 2008

She hasn't lost her beauty in over 500 years. At once fascinating and enthralling, the Mona Lisa is the world's single most recognizable work of art. That a man from the 15th century can still influence the most advanced thinkers of the 21st century is a testament not only to Leonardo Da Vinci, but also to his unique role in Italian Renaissance art.

After the Black Plague of the 1300s was over in Italy, the country was in transition. Class distinctions had built into huge resentments, particularly among the poorest of Florence's citizens. By 1378 the Ciompi Revolt surged through Florence, leading to four years of anarchic rule by the lower classes and several more decades of power struggles.

Rising to power in the city-state of Florence during these times was the Medici family. And along with their rise to power came the Italian Renaissance and Florence's central role within it. The first artist to appear was Giotto, introducing three-dimensional figures, with its human subjects conveying deep emotions. Later on his observation of natural perspective would be enhanced and perfected by the Renaissance's grand masters.

In 1434 Cosimo Medici became the head of his family. He and his father marked the start of the family dynasty in finance, business, art, cultural patronage and even the Papacy. (Three Medicis became Popes between 1500 and 1700.) With such vast power, probably more than half of Florence's population were Medici employees in one way or another, and under Medici influence the Italian Renaissance arts flourished.

While some artists during this time were learning how to achieve linear perspective, others were learning how to create realistic light and shadows. Painters of this early school of Renaissance art sprung up in other parts of the country; Andrea Mantegna from Mantua, Antonello da Messina, Cosme Tura from Ferrara. None achieved significant greatness, but all expanded techniques which would distinguish Renaissance art from all other.

However, technique was not the only break between Medieval to Renaissance art, philosophy changed dramatically as well. While the art of both periods focused on Christianity, Medieval art was threatening, fearful and intimidating. Renaissance (literally meaning rebirth) was uplifting, enlightening and inspirational.

Word spread across Europe as the Medici's and the Pope's patronage for the arts was reaching its heights. Artists arrived from the Netherlands who worked with oil paints. Other techniques were introduced or improved by a variety of artists. Finally four natives of Florence burst onto center stage: Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael, along with two men from Venice: Bellini and Titian.

The level of artistry was different for each. What drew them together was their individual and extraordinary ability to convey incredible recognition of humanity and depth of emotion on canvas, wall, marble or stone. The Last Supper, Sistine Chapel, Statue of David, Birth of Venus, Madonna and Child, Portrait of a Venetian, and dozens of more masterpieces - each is powerfully human and emotionally compelling. And each continues to captivate new generations of devotees century after century. They represent the best, and also the last, of Italian Renaissance art.

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