Niccolo Machiavelli – the Cunning Critic of Political Reason
Vincent Barnett reveals that there is more to Machiavelli than his notorious reputation.
Renaissance
Was Leonardo a Christian?
The beliefs of the man who painted some of the most famous Christian images are shrouded in mystery. Alex Keller coaxes Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts out of some little-known personal writings.
Universal Projects for the Universal Man
The artist, scientist, botanist, anatomist, engineer, inventor and all-round genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) used paper in a unique way.
The Death of Archbishop Ussher
Richard Cavendish marks the demise of an important Renaissance figure, on March 20th, 1656.
Early Renaissance Man
Tristram Hunt finds inspiration for his study of civic consciousness in Tuscany and the lecture halls of Cambridge.
Why Renaissance? Why Florence?
Jon Cook identifies the mix of factors that helps explain the Florentine Renaissance.
Erasmus and Christian Humanism
Stewart MacDonald introduces the humanist scholar whose writings made him one of the most significant figures of 16th-century Europe.
Marsilio Ficino Renaissance Man
Valery Rees looks at the Florentine scholar Marsilio Ficino and finds a man whose work still speaks to us today.
The Medici Brothers 1469-78
Robert Hole examines the often misunderstood careers of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano, whose power in Renaissance Florence was wielded with great subtlety and skill.
She-Devils, Harlots and Harridans in Northern Renaissance Prints
The social, sexual and demonic power of women was an important theme in the popular print of Germany and the Low Countries in the 16th century, as Julia Nurse shows.