The Renaissance has long become synonymous with “art.” This period of human history is known for an extraordinary number of legendary artists that keep inspiring us in the 21st century. But when was the last time you had the time to sit back and admire your favorite painting by artists of the Renaissance era? Let us refresh your memory with a compilation of the most popular and universally loved artworks — so loved that you have probably seen them outside of museums more times than you can count.
What Is Your Favorite Painting by Artists of the Renaissance?
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
If we had to pick one painting by artists of the Renaissance to summarize the entire era, it would probably be this one. An iconic piece, The Birth of Venus was, and still is, endlessly analyzed by art historians from various angles. The painting depicts the arrival of the goddess Venus upon the seashore, in the company of other mythical beings. While the mythological symbolism of the painting is one of the primary subjects of discussion, the identity of its commissioner is still a mystery (some believe that it was painted for a member of the Medici family). Along with Primavera, this piece is one of the most famous works by Botticelli. Today, The Birth of Venus is constantly referenced in pop culture and has become a modern symbol of ethereal beauty.
Sistine Madonna by Raphael
Religious themes, especially depictions of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ, were popular in the Renaissance era. Some of the most notable of them belong to Raphael, including the famous Sistine Madonna. They say that this painting evoked extremely strong emotions from the contemporaries who looked at it. However, the piece itself might not be as popular today as the two cherubs depicted at the bottom of it. If they seem familiar to you, it is probably because they are very well-loved by product designers and appear on all kinds of merchandise.
Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
Last Supper is another piece that has been referenced hundreds of times in popular media. The composition of this painting is so iconic that even those not interested in Renaissance art immediately recognize it when they see it.
It is undeniable that modern-day visual culture bears the influence of the Renaissance masters. Isn’t it wonderful that a painting by artists that lived such a long time ago can have such a strong presence in this time?