Famous Artists of the Renaissance
This Renaissance artist was known as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect. Some of his best known paintings were The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
Who is Leonardo Da Vinci?
This invention by Leonardo da Vinci was an early design for a machine that could be used to lift heavy objects. Da Vinci's design was capable of moving large boulders effectively and efficiently.
What is a crane?
This English playwright and poet, often called the Bard, wrote Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.
Who is William Shakespeare?
This queen of England, known as the "Virgin Queen," reigned during the English Renaissance and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Who is Elizabeth I?
This Italian explorer, sailing under the Spanish flag, completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
Who is Christopher Columbus?
This artists "David" is one of the most renowned sculptures of the Renaissance. It was created from 1501-1504 and stands 17 feet tall.
Who is Michelangelo?
This Renaissance invention, developed by Evangelista Torricelli, was the first device to measure atmospheric pressure.
What is the Barometer?
This French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician is known for his statement "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am").
Who is René Descartes?
This powerful Italian noblewoman was a major patron of the arts and the mother of several influential rulers, including two queens of France.
Who is Catherine De Medici?
This Portuguese explorer was the first to reach India by sea, opening the way for an age of global imperialism. His initial voyage to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope was the first to link Europe and Asia by an ocean route, connecting the Atlantic and the Indian oceans.
Who is Vasco da Gama?
This artist moved to Rome at the invitation of Pope Julius II and many of his works are found at the Vatican Palace. He died early at age 37, however, due to his commissions at the Vatican he left behind a substantial amount of works and is considered one of the most influential painters and architects of the time.
Who is Raphael?
This scientific instrument known for its capacity to reveal the hidden intricacies of the microcosmos, can trace is invention to between 1590 and 1608, hailing from the Netherlands. It is unclear the exact inventor, however, many theories credit Hans Lipperhey.
What is the Microscope?
This work by Thomas More describes an ideal society on an imaginary island and coined the term for a perfect place.
What is Utopia?
This Italian scientist and mathematician was one of the first women to earn a university degree and taught mathematics at the University of Bologna. She was the first female member of any scientific establishment, when she was elected to the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna in 1732 at age 21.
Who is Laura Bassi?
This Spanish conquistador led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile.
Who is Hernan Cortes?
This artist's "Birth of Venus" is one of the most famous paintings of the early Renaissance. The painting depicts the moment that Venus, goddess of love and beauty, emerges from the sea in a shell.
Who is Sandro Botticelli?
This public institution is often regarded as a cornerstone of education and knowledge. It traces it's roots back to 1452, where the first one was established in Cesena, Italy where the knowledge was freely explored by the general public.
What is a Public Library?
This Italian philosopher's work "The Prince" is a treatise on political theory and realpolitik. It is written in the form of a realistic instruction guide for new princes.
Who is Niccolò Machiavelli?
An Italian painter known for her large-scale religious paintings and one of the few women to achieve fame in her time. She was producing professional works by age 15 and is known for being able to depict the female form with great naturalism.
Who is Artemisia Gentileschi?
This Portuguese explorer was best known for having planned and led the 1519–1522 Spanish expedition to the East Indies. He was killed in the Philippines during the voyage, however, his crew completed the expedition returning to Spain and becoming the first voyage to circumnavigate the globe.
Who is Ferdinand Magellan?
This artist is known for his frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel and is considered a pioneer of Renaissance painting. He is regarded as the first great Italian painter of the Quatrocento period.
Who is Masaccio?
This Renaissance innovation, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, was a precursor to modern scuba gear, allowing for underwater exploration.
What is the Diving Suit?
This Spanish author wrote "Don Quixote," a novel that is considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever written. The title character is obsessed with chivalrous ideals and seeks adventures to defend the helpless and destroy the wicked.
Who is Miguel de Cervantes?
This Italian composer, lutenist, and singer was the first women to have her music printed and published. It was dedicated to her patron Isabella De Medici and she is known for her madrigals.
Who is Maddalena Casulana?
This English sea captain and privateer was the second person to circumnavigate the globe and played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Who is Sir Francis Drake?