We typically experience classic works of art in a museum, stripped of their original contexts, but that serene setting can belie a tumultuous history. Take Michelangelo's statue of David: devised as a religious symbol, adopted as a...

Ibiblio WebMuseum offers a detailed biography of Michelangelo and links to some of his famous paintings including The Sistine Chapel.

This website from the Web Gallery of Art discusses Michelangelo's Pieta. The site provides information about "the seated Madonna holding Christ's body in her arms." Discusses Divine Beauty and the artistic changes made by Michelangelo.

The Web Gallery of Art contains high-quality images of sculptures from Pope Julius II's tomb by Michelangelo. Each thumbnail image can be enlarged by clicking on it. Includes a link to a biography of Michelangelo.

This site from the Web Gallery of Art provides a biographical sketch on Masaccio, "the first great painter of the Italian Renaissance." Includes link to related information and to examples of Massacio's artwork.

This site from Learner.org illustrates the inner and outer workings of Renaissance art and architecture in the Italian city of Florence. It also provides an example by noting some works by Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Detailed biography on the famous Italian painter Raphael who lived during the high Italian Renaissance. Discusses his influences by other artists, his works, and links to images of them.

Overview of Florence during the Renaissance discusses the key elements and individuals that made the city a center of Renaissance power and culture: the Medici family, the wool trade, humanism, Florentine art and architecture,...