The Italian Renaissance holds a special place in modern visual culture, especially American pop culture. The number of times re-creations of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper have popped up on the Internet speaks to the art movement's lasting influence. And if there's one famous painting that everyone knows, it's the Mona Lisa, another Renaissance staple.
In any case, have you ever stopped to think about the context of these artworks? The Italian Renaissance represents a complete rebirth and rediscovery of all kinds of knowledge—from mathematics to Ancient Greek and Roman techniques. The works we have come to love reflect a wealth of cultural change, much of which we can still learn from today. Check out our list of 10 Things Everybody Should Know About Italian Renaissance Art.
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