What happens when political chaos, powerful patrons, and once-in-a-generation talent collide?
You get the High Renaissance—and some of the most iconic artworks in Western history.
In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns breaks down the “Ninja Turtles” of Renaissance art—Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci—through an AP exam–ready lens.
You’ll explore:
The cultural beliefs, setting, and papal politics behind Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, including his tense relationship with Pope Julius II
How Raphael’s School of Athens uses setting, materials, and perfect perspective to visualize Humanism—and why Julius II loved working with him
The patronage, purpose, audience, and experimental technique behind Leonardo’s Last Supper, plus why it began deteriorating almost immediately
A side journey into the mystery of the Mona Lisa—sfumato, psychology, and why that smile still haunts us
Why the High Renaissance produced monumental art during a time of intense political instability in Italy
Packed with art history vocabulary, exam connections, and a few dad jokes along the way, this episode is perfect for:
✔️ AP Art History students
✔️ Exam review
✔️ Teachers looking for classroom-ready content
Hit play, take notes, and remember—when politics get messy, art gets legendary.
