Italian Art

From the outstanding Byzantine mosaics in the churches of Ravenna to the Greek temples of Sicily, from the Roman Empire to the present day, Italian art in all its forms of expression magically spans the passing of the centuries. Italy is the land of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Canaletto, Caravaggio, Canova, Botticelli, Bernini, Titian and Giorgione, all artists of extraordinary calibre who produced vast quantities of works.

Etruscan Period:

Etruscan bronze figures and terra-cotta funerary reliefs include examples of a vigorous northern Italian tradition which had waned by the time Rome began building her empire on the Italian peninsula.

Roman Period:

The Roman period, as we know it, begins after the Punic Wars and the subsequent invasion of the Greek cities of the Mediterranean. The cultic and decorative use of sculpture and pictorial mosaic survive in the ruins of both temples and villas.

Byzantine Period:

With the fall of its western capitol, the Roman empire continued for another 1000 years under the leadership of Constantinople. Byzantine artisans were used in important projects throughout Italy, and Byzantine styles of painting can be found up through the 14th Century.

Gothic Period:

The Gothic period marks a transition from the medieval to the Renaissance and is characterised by the styles and attitudes nurtured by the influence of the Dominican and Franciscan order of monks.

Renaissance Period:

The Renaissance is said to begin in 14th century Italy. The rediscovery of Ancient Greek and Roman art and classics brought better proportions, perspective and use of lighting in art.