Alexander the Great was known for conquering the world and creating the city of Alexandria, which would become the greatest city of its time, and would be home to the greatest library of the ancient world, a hub for learning and knowledge. After 7 centuries, the library was destroyed, and the world fell into the Dark Ages.
A few hundred years later, and we would once again openly adopt science and learning, and this was the birth of the Renaissance that took place in much of Europe. Scientists, scholars, free-thinkers, and artists could be found everywhere, and it gave rise to one of the greatest periods in history.
It’s also famed for allowing well-known artists the chance to create works that would change the world forever, some of which we will explore here.
The Creation of Adam
Considered to be the best work by Michelangelo, the Creation of Adam was finished in 1512, and was painted across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. While Michelangelo was not known as a religious man, he still managed to capture a powerful moment between God and mankind, and it has become deeply connected with the Christian faith and the Vatican.
The painting is still there to this day and is a must-see for anyone that has an appreciation of Renaissance artwork.
The School of Athens
Created just a year before The Creation of Adam, the School of Athens was made by then 25-year-old Raphael, and can also be found in the Vatican, specifically as a main fresco on the walls of the Apostolic Palace.
The famous frescoes are designed to symbolise Poetry, Law, Theology, and Philosophy, and it was a great honour for the young painter to be chosen to create artwork for the Pope. The painting itself depicts well-known figures from Ancient Greece and has very much remained a timeless classic.
The Birth Of Venus
The Birth Of Venus shows the goddess Venus as she makes her way to the Greek island of Cyprus. She was seen as the perfect woman of the time; pure and beautiful and something that all women were meant to aspire to.
Created by Sandro Botticelli, the Birth of Venus is immediately recognisable by most people around the world and has long been viewed as a prime example of the peak of the Renaissance.
It also successfully conveys how much the art during the time changed and evolved rapidly, and many of them were often used as the basis of entire new movements that would sweep the world, and a must-see for those that want to take a small break from work or checking out the latest casino sites Canada websites.
The Mona Lisa
Widely regarded as the greatest painting ever made, the Mona Lisa was made than none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and has long been examined and scrutinised by art experts and casual onlookers alike.
Da Vinci was a true master of the medium and added tiny details to the painting that would mystify viewers for centuries. Today, the Mona Lisa is held at the Louvre, and is seen by millions of visitors every year.