Renaissance
CITIES were the center of the action Milan and Florence had wealthy merchants and bankers Artists in these cities were inspired by the former splendor of Rome (and Greece) Merchants dominated politics The Medici were a powerful banking family They paid artists, writers, and musicians to create beautiful works of art They were patrons Educated, brilliant A gifted singer, lute player, innovative dancer Wealthy, powerful parents She sponsored painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, architects A fashionista, she even designed her own perfume Patron of da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bellini, Correggio, and many, many others Nativity, by Antonio da Correggio 1529-1530 101 in. by 74 in. (8 ½ feet by 6+ feet)