Shows
Joe Ruggiero InspiredCarol Connors: Elvis, Rocky & MeAmerican singer-songwriter Carol Connors makes her debut on Joe Ruggiero Inspired!Check out her book, Elvis, "Rocky" & Me.Support the showwww.joeruggiero.com 2024-11-2930 min
Rebuilding The RenaissanceVenice: Gentile Bellini, Vittorio Carpaccio and the Relic of the True CrossAt the end of the 15th century, large-scale-cyclical-narrative paintings became quite popular in Renaissance Venice. One of these cycles illustrates in spectacular fashion the legends of the relic of the True Cross that was owned by the Scuola Grande of St. John the Evangelist. This episode examines the three most important paintings of this cycle, which were executed by two of Venice's most important painters.2022-02-0224 minRebuilding The RenaissanceVenice: Giovanni Bellini's "St. Job Altarpiece"This episode examines the first great Venetian painting of the Renaissance. Although the Venetian school of painting appeared almost a full century after that of Florence, the extraordinary genius of Venetian painters such as Giovanni Bellini rapidly made it the major rival of central Italian Renaissance painting. 2022-01-2623 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions XI From Botticelli and the Bonfires of the Vanities, to the extraordinary collection of artists' portraits and self-portraits in the Uffizi Gallleries, to the use of AI in art authentication, to Botticelli's $92M "Portrait of a Young Man with a Medal," to the Virgin Mary's thoughts in Michelangelo's Pietà, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists and history of the Italian Renaissance.2022-01-1927 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part VIII - The Doni TondoThis episode examines the only painting by Michelangelo in Florence, and one of only two finished paintings executed by the artist before he decorated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In many ways the vibrant, expressive colors and sculptural plasticity of the figures in this painting anticipated the revolutionary style of the Sistine ceiling a few years later.2022-01-1218 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo vs. Michelangelo- The Battle of the Battles - Part IIIn 1504, Florence found its two greatest artists in the city at the same time. Not wanting to miss this rare opportunity to have them test their talents against each other, massive murals were commissioned from each in the great hall of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. This second part of a 2-part podcast will explore what we know about the great murals planned by both artists and that portion that was actually executed by Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, we shall discuss the search for the lost Leonardo that still continues today. 2022-01-0524 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo vs. Michelangelo- The Battle of the Battles - Part IIn 1504, Florence found its two greatest artists in the city at the same time. Not wanting to miss this rare opportunity to have them test their talents against each other, massive murals were commissioned from each in the great hall of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. This first of a two-part series will examine the historical context of the commission and the subject matter of the paintings. 2021-12-2918 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa When Leonardo began painting the portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of the wealthy cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo, in 1503, little did he know just how much employment he would generate for future art historians. From theories concerning her enigmatic smile, to the painting being a self-portrait of Leonardo in drag, to her possibly being pregnant, just about everything that could possibly have been written about the Mona Lisa seems to have been written about her. In addition to analyzing the formal aspects of the painting, this episode also examines just why the painting is so famous. 2021-12-2231 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part VII - The David (Part III)This episode is the third and final part of a three-part podcast on the world's most celebrated statue. From the lack of Goliath's head, to the sling and hard-to-see stone in David's hands, to the expressive body language of the statue, this podcast will examine the unique iconography and local civic value of The David.2021-12-1520 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part VI - The David (Part II)This episode is the second of a three-part podcast on the world's most celebrated statue. From the original contract drawn up in 1463 - 12 years before Michelangelo was even born! - to Michelangelo's sculptural inheritance and eventual triumphant completion of the statue, to the city-wide commission convened to decide what to do with the great statue, this podcast will examine the history of the commission of The David. 2021-12-0823 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part V - The David (Part 1)This episode is the first of three-part podcast on the world's most celebrated statue. From its original location in Piazza della Signoria, to its move in the 19th century to a newly built museum, to the centuries of erosion and damage that the sculpture has suffered, this podcast examines the provenance of the statue and its state of conservation.2021-12-0121 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part IV - The Pietà The Pietà was Michelangelo’s first “number one hit.” At the ripe old age of 23, he produced one of the greatest statues of all time. The innocence, sensitivity, and technical virtuosity of this particular early work would never be achieved again in Michelangelo’s entire 72-year career. This podcast explores the imagery, meaning and tradition of the “Pietà” subject in art and why Michelangelo’s statue is the most famous interpretation of the subject.2021-11-2429 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part III - The BacchusMichelangelo arrived in Rome for the first time in 1496 at the age of 21. His first important patron was the fabulously wealthy Cardinal Riario who wanted the young sculptor to carve a statue of the Roman god of wine that he could pass off as an antique. Surprisingly, Riario did not accept the finished sculpture which ended up in the collection of another patron. This episode explores the history, iconography and importance of Michelangelo's earliest-known sculpture commission and why it may have indeed been rejected by its original patron.2021-11-1723 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions - Part XFrom contemporary theories about Brunelleschi's dome, to Ghirlandaio's frescoes in Santa Trinita, to the abandoned design of semi-circular chapels on the outside of Santo Spirito, to Bernini's extraordinary early sculpture of Aeneas, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists and history of the Italian Renaissance.2021-11-1028 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo Part II - Madonna of the Stairs / Battle of the LapithsThis episode explores two of Michelangelo's earliest known sculptures that were produced while the teenage sculptor was still part of the Medici household. The sculptures reflect the influence of Donatello on a young Michelangelo, but also the later sculptor's obsession with the male nude form. 2021-11-0321 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Divine Michelangelo - Part I Michelangelo Buonarroti’s artistic career spanned more than seven decades, during which time he produced some of the most extraordinary works of art in human history. This episode will examine the early years of the artist from his birth through his apprenticeship to his earliest teachers and his sojourn in the home of Lorenzo "il Magnifico" de' Medici. 2021-10-2724 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Brera Gallery in Milan, ItalyThis episode explores the extraordinary collection of Italian Renaissance paintings in Milan's most important painting museum, which houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Piero Della Francesca, Tintoretto, Bellini and Mantegna. 2021-10-2024 minRebuilding The RenaissanceSalvator Mundi and Leonardo da VinciThis episode addresses the world's most expensive painting that sold for nearly a half billion dollars in 2017. Although the attribution to Leonardo da Vinci is not certain, the astonishing cost, murky provenance and uncertain current location of the painting have made it one of the most famous works of art in history. 2021-10-1324 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Sala delle AsseThis episode examines one of the most unique decorative programs in history. A room in the Sforza Castle in Milan whose walls and vault are covered with illusionistic trees that form a natural pergola. We also discuss how Leonardo's expression of arboreal architecture has been brought back to life with the help of modern technology.2021-10-0613 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Last Supper - Part 2This is the second of a two-part episode on Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" which is considered the first work of the High Renaissance. From the meticulously constructed linear perspective, to the theatrical gestures of the apostles, to the singular dramatic moment that Leonardo almost seemed to "capture" rather than "depict," we shall examine all aspects of one of the most extraordinary paintings in history. 2021-09-2924 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Last Supper - Part 1This episode will introduce Leonardo's famous work. From its location, to the rather complicated process of making arrangements to see it, to its poor state of conservation, discover the surprising reality behind one of the most famous paintings in the world.2021-09-2224 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian ManThis episode examines one of the most famous drawings in the world - Leonardo's "Vitruvian Man." From the meaning of the subject, to those artists who influenced Leonardo, to how the drawing has come to symbolize the historical period known as the Renaissance, we shall unpack the extraordinary image that put humanity back at the center of the universe.2021-09-1521 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's Lady with an ErmineThis episode examines one of Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated portraits, the subject of which was Cecilia Gallerani, mistress of Ludovico Sforza. In this beautiful portrait, today located in Krakow, Poland, Leonardo introduced further innovations to the genre of Italian portraiture particularly by figuring out how to bring the portrait to life. 2021-09-0819 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci and the Bronze HorseDuke Ludovico Sforza’s principal motivation for bringing Leonardo to Milan was most likely Leonardo’s experience in working with bronze. The duke was hoping to apply Leonardo’s experience and talent to the realization of a colossal equestrian monument in honor of his father Francesco Sforza. This episode examines the complex 20-year history of this never-realized monument.2021-09-0126 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions - Part IXFrom the disproportions in Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", to the origins of the name "Colosseum", to the original decoration on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists and history of the Italian Renaissance.2021-08-2521 minRebuilding The RenaissanceHugo van der Goes' "Portinari Altarpiece" (Uffizi Gallery, Florence)This episode examines the exquisite Flemish masterpiece which was painted for a prominent Italian patron. Located in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, the "Portinari Altarpiece" exhibits all those aspects typical of the early Flemish Renaissance period, but with an Italian twist to suit the patron's tastes. 2021-08-1818 minRebuilding The RenaissancePiero della Francesca's "Madonna of the Egg" (Brera Gallery, Milan)This episode examines one of the most important paintings of the early Renaissance, which is also known as the Montefeltro or Brera Altarpiece. Painted between 1472-74, the painting was most likely commissioned to celebrate the birth of the son of the Duke of Urbino, and displays an extraordinary precision as regards the architecture and sublimely beautiful figures. 2021-08-1118 minRebuilding The RenaissancePienza: The Ideal Renaissance TownIn 1459, Pope Pius II transformed the provincial town of his birth, Corsignano, into an ideal Renaissance urban town and renamed it after himself - Pienza. His architect, Bernardo Rossellino, was a follower of Leon Battista Alberti, and applied both medieval and classical architectural principles to his design. This episode explores the history and architecture of this exquisite and charming example of Renaissance urbanism. 2021-08-0422 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Strozzi PalaceThis episode explores the architecture and history of one of the largest family palaces in Florence, which was built for the illustrious Strozzi family. After nearly a half century of exile for their failed attempt at exiling the Medici, the fabulously wealthy banker Filippo Strozzi was the first of his family to return to Florence. His palace was a very public statement that the Strozzi had returned!2021-07-2819 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - Rucellai PalaceThis episode examines the architecture, authorship and history of one of Florence's most important early Renaissance family palaces. Perhaps the most classically inspired of the 15th-century palaces in the city, the Rucellai Palace is a true Renaissance architectural gem. 2021-07-2120 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence (Santa Maria Novella): The Tornabuoni Chapel Frescoes by Domenico GhirlandaioThis episode examines the extraordinary early Renaissance fresco cycle in the family chapel of Giovanni Tornabuoni, who was the uncle of Lorenzo the Magnificent de' Medici. It was while Ghirlandaio was working on these frescoes in Santa Maria Novella in the 1480s that a 13-year-old apprentice named Michelangelo Buonarroti entered his workshop, who may have left his mark in the paintings. 2021-07-1424 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's 2 "Virgin of the Rocks" (Paris and London)In 1483, the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception commissioned Leonardo da Vinci and Ambrogio and Evangelista de Predis to paint an altarpiece for their chapel in the church of San Francesco Grande in Milan. Due to a controversy regarding payment to the artists, it appears that the painting was never delivered. This episode will examine the controversy surrounding the two versions of the same subject – one in the Louvre, the other in the National Gallery in London.2021-07-0723 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions Part VIIIFrom the characters in Duccio's and Leonardo's Last Suppers, to Vasari's "Lives of the Artists", to why it took so long for the Renaissance to begin, to Raphael's over-active sex life, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists and history of the Italian Renaissance. 2021-06-3028 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's ResumeIn 1482, Leonardo da Vinci sent a letter to the then regent of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, in hopes of landing the position of court artist of the duchy of Milan. This episode will examine this letter, which is essentially the resume of the great artist, and how someone like Leonardo would qualify himself for a place of employment!2021-06-2320 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Maurizio Seracini -“Leonardo's Adoration of the Magi: The Rediscovery of a Masterpiece”For over 500 years it was believed that the brownish monochrome look of the Adoration was the work of Leonardo. That is, until Maurizio Seracini’s in-depth scientific analysis of 2001 proved beyond a doubt that this was not true. This exclusive interview will address the results of Seracini’s investigation, as well as the backlash of fierce opposition and accusations against these findings which have endured for the last two decades. 2021-06-1636 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Uffizi Gallery - Leonardo da Vinci's Adoration of the MagiIn 1481, Leonardo began work on a major altarpiece for the church of San Donato a Scopeto. At the same time, he sent his resume to the ruler of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, in hopes of landing the position of court artist for that duchy. This episode examines Leonardo’s painting of the Adoration of the Magi - most likely left unfinished because of the artist's departure for Milan - and why much of what we see today may not be by the hand of Leonardo. 2021-06-0922 minRebuilding The RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci's "Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci" (National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC)This episode will examine Leonardo's groundbreaking portrait of a young Florentine woman named Ginevra de’ Benci, which is the only painting by the great Renaissance genius in the Americas. Exquisitely conserved, despite it being cut down, it is one of the earliest examples of a 3/4 frontal pose in Italian portraiture.2021-06-0223 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Uffizi Gallery - Leonardo da Vinci's AnnunciationThis episode will analyze Leonardo’s earliest known painting for the church of San Bartolomeo a Monte Oliveto, which he painted at only 20 years of age. Leonardo’s early works were clear indicators of this unique artistic vision and superlative talent. The Annunciation is not only stunningly beautiful, but also introduces two of Leonardo's signature innovations - sfumato and atmospheric perspective, clearly demonstrating his interest in the science of optics. 2021-05-2626 minRebuilding The RenaissanceBotticelli's Muse - Simonetta Cattaneo VespucciThis episode will attempt to unravel the mystery behind one of the world’s most famous paintings – the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Was the artist's muse the legendary Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci, who is still reputed to be the most beautiful woman of Renaissance Florence? Just who was this legendary woman, and what was her relationship to the great Renaissance painter? Find out in this episode that is dedicated to the Marilyn Monroe of the Renaissance.2021-05-1923 minRebuilding The RenaissanceHistory - The Pazzi ConspiracyOn April 26, 1478, Giuliano de’ Medici lay dead on the pavement of Florence cathedral with 19 stab wounds serving as testimony to the vicious attack that he had just suffered. Had his assassins succeeded in eliminating his older brother, Lorenzo “il Magnifico” de’ Medici, that day as well, the history of the western Europe, and the world for that matter, would have been drastically altered. This episode will examine the protagonists, motivation, and plot behind one of history’s greatest conspiracies.2021-05-1234 minRebuilding The RenaissanceRome: The Sistine Chapel before MichelangeloDecades before Michelangelo climbed up on the nearly 70 feet of scaffolding to adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a veritable “All-Star Team” of late-15th- century artists had already decorated its walls. Artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pietro Perugino, and Luca Signorelli were sent to Rome by Lorenzo “il Magnifico” de’ Medici to pay homage to the original patron and namesake of the chapel – Pope Sixtus IV. This episode will examine the pre-history of the Sistine Chapel and the early Renaissance frescoes that had already transformed the chapel into an extraordinary decorative complex.2021-05-0522 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Uffizi Gallery - Botticelli's "Birth of Venus"The Birth of Venus is one of the world’s most famous paintings and depicts how Venus, the Roman goddess of love, came into being, This episode will examine the style, composition and symbolism of the painting, as well as discussing those factors that give the painting its timeless appeal.2021-04-2819 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Uffizi Gallery - Botticelli's "Primavera"When Botticelli painted the Primavera in the 1470s, he opened up a veritable Pandora’s Box. No longer would Renaissance artists be limited to simply dressing Christian saints in togas and sandals, they could now gradually introduce the very literature, philosophy and religion of the ancient Greco-Roman world into their own art. This episode unpacks Botticelli’s great allegorical painting by identifying its characters and their meaning.2021-04-2120 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions VIIFrom the functionality of Renaissance buildings, to the anatomical details in the work of Piero della Francesca, to the religious orientation of Emperor Constantine, to the authenticity of Christian relics, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art, artists and history of the Italian Renaissance.2021-04-1427 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Andrea del Verrocchio Part IIThis episode is the second part of a two-part episode about the extraordinary 15th-century Florentine artist who is best known as the master of Leonardo da Vinci. We examine Verrocchio's later sculptures such as the "Putto with a Dolphin", "Lady with a Primrose" and his "Equestrian Monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni" in Venice, Italy. We also discuss a painting by Verrrochio executed in collaboration with Leonardo da Vinci. 2021-04-0723 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Andrea del Verrocchio Part IThis first part of a two-part episode examines the art and career of the extraordinary sculptor who is best known as the master of Leonardo da Vinci. Although often overshadowed by the notoriety of his pupil, Verrocchio was one of the most significant sculptors in history. He was also one of the most influential artists of the Renaissance as other of his pupils included Domenico Ghirlandaio and Pietro Perugino, who in turn were masters to Michelangelo and Raphael respectively. 2021-03-3125 minRebuilding The RenaissancePiero della Francesca’s Flagellation in UrbinoKenneth Clark described Della Francesca’s painting as the “the greatest small painting in the world.” Much has been written about the enigmatic meaning of the work, including it serving as a metaphor for the fall of Constantinople. This episode examines the iconography of the famous painting and its various interpretations. 2021-03-2422 minRebuilding The RenaissancePiero della Francesca's Paintings in San Sepolcro and MonterchiThis episode examines the extraordinary paintings in the second leg of the "Piero della Francesca Trail" in the Tuscan towns of San Sepolcro and Monterchi. From Piero's majestic "Madonna della Misericordia," to his iconic "Resurrection," and finally to his moving fresco of "The Madonna del Parto," learn about Piero's works in southeastern Tuscany, which are some of the most beautiful of the Italian Renaissance. 2021-03-1720 minRebuilding The RenaissanceArezzo: The Legend of the True Cross by Piero della FrancescaThis episode examines the extraordinary fresco cycle in the Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo, Italy. Painted by Piero della Francesca beginning in 1452 in the high chapel of the church, the frescoes are one the most important painting cycles of the early Renaissance and one of the artist's best-known works. 2021-03-1025 minRebuilding The RenaissancePadua: Andrea Mantegna's frescoes in the Church of the EremitaniThis episode examines Andrea Mantegna's extraordinary early frescoes in the Augustinian church of the Eremitani in Padua, Italy. Despite being largely destroyed by Allied bombs in March 1944, the paintings (which have been heavily reconstructed) are still considered some of the most important expressions of early Renaissance painting. 2021-03-0322 minRebuilding The RenaissancePadua: Donatello's "Gattamelata" and Statues in the SantoThis episode explores Donatello's extraordinary artistic production during his sojourn in Padua during the 1440s. From his milestone Equestrian Monument to Gattamelata, to his refined bronze Crucifix, to his 3-dimensional sculptural sacra conversazione and complex perspectival bronze relief sculptures adorning the high altar of the basilica, Donatello once again demonstrates his almost unlimited and unparalleled range of artistic expression.2021-02-2426 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Equestrian Frescoes of John Hawkwood and Niccolò da Tolentino in Florence CathedralThis episode examines the two monumental equestrian frescoes by Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno in Florence cathedral that represent two celebrated mercenary captains who had honorably served the Florentine Republic in the 14th and 15th centuries. These works represent two of the earliest Renaissance revivals of memorial equestrian imagery since Antiquity.2021-02-1725 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions – Part VIFrom the Crucifix in Santo Spirito attributed to Michelangelo, to ancient Roman building materials, to patronage in 15th-century Italy, to Raphael's sex life, this episode answers the very questions that you ask me about the great art and artists of the Italian Renaissance.2021-02-1030 minRebuilding The RenaissanceMantua: The Camera degli Sposi by Andrea MantegnaThis episode examines the Camera degli Sposi (1465-1474), which is Andrea Mantegna’s most famous work. Decorating the reception room of the Marquis of Mantua, Ludovico II Gonzaga, Mantegna created an incredibly vivid “picture” of life at a Renaissance court. In addition to the various portraits of the royal family that Mantegna included in his fresco, he also captured the less "noble" elements of court life such as the dwarves/jesters and actual portraits of the royal dogs.2021-02-0330 minRebuilding The RenaissanceMantua: Basilica of Sant'AndreaThis episode examines the history and architecture of one of the milestone churches of the Renaissance that was designed by the great architect Leon Battista Alberti. Home to one Christianity's most important relics - the blood of Christ - the ruler of Mantua, Ludovico Gonzaga, wanted Alberti to design a Classically-inspired church that would be a fitting monument to such an important holy object. 2021-01-2726 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Facade of Santa Maria NovellaThis episode examines the architectural style and history of Florence's only Renaissance-style church facade at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, which was designed by the architect Leon Battista. From its classically-inspired forms, to the abundance of heraldic symbolism of both the Rucellai and Medici families, all the way to the inscription celebrating the patron of the facade, the facade is a perfect reflection of the beautiful complexity of Renaissance Florence. 2021-01-2025 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Basilica of Santo Spirito - Part IVThis episode is the fourth and final episode of our examination of the construction history of Brunelleschi's great Basilica of Santo Spirito in Florence, Italy. We look specifically at the most sensational and well-known controversy concerning the building of the church regarding how many doors should have been incorporated into the facade of the church. A controversy that was brought all the way to Lorenzo il Magnifico de' Medici himself to resolve and that was finally decided by a city-wide plebiscite. 2021-01-1331 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Basilica of Santo Spirito - Part IIIThis episode continues to examine the construction history of Brunelleschi's great Renaissance-style church. Based on extraordinarily detailed archival records regarding the construction of the church over nearly a decade, we are able to paint an incredibly vivid picture of how, literally, brick by brick and column by column the church was built. We also discuss some of the most important deviations made from Brunelleschi's original plan and identify those historical figures who were responsible for them. 2021-01-0630 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Basilica of Santo Spirito - Part IIThis episode continues to examine the construction history of Brunelleschi's great Renaissance basilica. Based on the findings from my book about the church, we will examine how the various chapel types and chapel sales directly reflect the progress of construction at Santo Spirito. 2020-12-3031 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Basilica of Santo SpiritoThis episode explores the architecture and early building history of the Brunelleschi's great Renaissance church. By comparing the account of Brunelleschi's earliest biographer to the known extant archival documentation, it is clear that construction on the church began shortly before the architect's death. 2020-12-2329 minRebuilding The RenaissanceThe Writing of "Brunelleschi's Basilica: The Building of Santo Spirito in Florence"Join me in celebrating the 100th episode of my podcast by learning about all of the behind-the-scenes trials, tribulations, research, fortuitous moments, key figures, failures and triumphs that were part of the realization of my book, which was published in September 2020. 2020-12-1629 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Penitent Mary Magdalene by Donatello (Museo Dell'Opera del Duomo)This episode examines one of the most moving and expressive sculptures in the history of art. Carved from white poplar wood, Donatello captures the meaning of ascetic spirituality by physically decimating his figure while still expressing an inner vitality in this extraordinarily modern-looking statue.2020-12-0919 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - Uffizi Gallery Early Renaissance PaintingsThis episode examines those works in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, that best express the principles of Early Renaissance style painting. From the rigid perspectival constructions of Paolo Uccello, to the sensually beautiful madonnas of Fra Lippo Lippi, to the iconic portraits of the duke and duchess of Urbino, we trace the evolution of painting from the Gothic to the Renaissance world. 2020-12-0229 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Nirav Tolia - Part IIThis episode is the second part of my two-part interview with visionary entrepreneur, Nirav Tolia, co-founder of the social media giant Nextdoor. We argue that those principles that drive innovation and creativity in Silicon Valley today are very much the same ones that drove the cultural revolution in Florence five centuries ago.2020-11-2520 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Nirav Tolia - Part IThis episode is the first part of a two-part interview with visionary entrepreneur, Nirav Tolia, co-founder of the social media giant Nextdoor. We discuss Nirav's motivation for spending a year in Florence, Italy, teaching a course to Stanford University students about the similarities between the technological revolution of Silicon Valley and the cultural revolution of Renaissance Florence. 2020-11-1815 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Chapel of the Magi (Medici Palace)This episode examines the splendid artistic decoration of one of Florence's best hidden gems - the Chapel of the Magi inside of the Medici Palace. Full a sumptuous materials and decorations, the walls of the chapel were beautifully painted by Benozzo Gozzoli in 1459 depicting the voyage of the Magi and filled with contemporary portraits of the Medici and their allies.2020-11-1123 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Medici PalaceThis episode examines the history and architecture of the first Renaissance-style family palace in Florence, Italy. The Medici Palace was not only the home of the family, but also the seat of their political and financial power. Commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici, the palace was an integral part of the great man's "theory of magnificence."2020-11-0430 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Medici DynastyThis episode examines the rise to power and legacy of one the longest-lasting dynasties in history. From relatively modest beginnings, the Medici family became one of the most wealthy and powerful families of Renaissance Italy, as well as great patrons of the arts.2020-10-2830 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Last Supper by Andrea del Castagno (Sant'Apollonia)This episode analyzes one of the best-preserved and influential Renaissance paintings of the Last Supper. Located in the former refectory of a nunnery in Florence, Italy, the painting exhibits various traditional elements typical of the subject, but it also displays numerous innovations. 2020-10-2127 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Convent of San Marco - Part IIThis episode explores the sublime painting decoration of the great Early Renaissance painter Fra Angelico in the convent of San Marco. From his utilitarian paintings in the cloister, to the majestic Crucifixion in the chapterhouse, to his celebrated Annunciation and finally to the mystical frescoes in the dormitory cells, San Marco is a veritable shrine to the creativity of this great artist. 2020-10-1429 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - The Convent of San Marco - Part IThis episode is the first part of a two-part episode that examines the history and architecture of the first-ever Renaissance style convent. San Marco, which has been described as the most beautiful convent in all of Italy, was designed by Michelozzo and entirely funded by Cosimo De'Medici.2020-10-0734 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers To Open Questions - Part VThis episode answers some of the questions asked directly by my listeners. From where the striping pattern on Tuscan churches comes from, to what kind of vegetal crown Donatello's bronze David wears, to the orientation of Michelangelo's New Sacristy, to angry looking figures in the Scrovegni Chapel, you can hear me answer your questions.2020-09-3027 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Donatello's Bronze "David" Part IIThis episode is the second part of my two-part episode about Donatello's eclectic statue of David. It examines the unusual iconography of the statue as well as the particular homoerotic culture of Renaissance Florence. 2020-09-2324 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Donatello's Bronze "David" Part IThis episode is the first of a two-part episode that examines one of the most beautiful and controversial sculptures in history. In this first part, we exam the history, museum context, and unusual iconography of the sculpture. 2020-09-1618 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Temple St. Clair - Part IIThis episode is the second part of my two-part interview with celebrated jewelry designer Temple St. Clair where we learn how the beauty and traditions of Florence, Italy help shape her brilliant creations. 2020-09-0930 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Temple St. Clair - Part IThis episode is the first of a two-part interview with world-renowned jewelry designer and good friend Temple St. Clair. Learn how the beauty, traditions and craftsmanship of Florence, Italy, played a major role in both the personal and professional life of this celebrated artist and entrepreneur. 2020-09-0219 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti - Part IIThis episode is the second part of the two-part episode dedicated to Lorenzo Ghiberti's celebrated doors known as the "Gates of Paradise". In this second part, we look at each individual panel to examine its style, composition and iconography, where we discover Ghiberti was indeed a master visual storyteller. 2020-08-2628 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - The Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti - Part IThis episode examines the history and provenance of the world's most famous and beautiful doors - the so-called "Gates of Paradise" that were produced by Lorenzo Ghiberti between 1425-1452. Today, the Renaissance doors are one of the artistic gems of the Museo Dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) in Florence, Italy.2020-08-1925 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Cantorie by Luca Della Robbia and Donatello (Cathedral Museum)This episode examines two of the largest and most beautiful works of Early Renaissance sculpture in Florence, Italy - the Cantorie, or "choir lofts" in the Museo Dell'Opera del Duomo. Designed and carved respectively by Luca Della Robbia and Donatello, each work is a visual celebration of song and music.2020-08-1223 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Holy Trinity by Masaccio - Part IIThis episode analyzes the mathematics involved in the creation of the first perspectival painting in history. Learn how geometry and algebra were not only part of the construction of the three-dimensional space, but also a surprising way to illustrate important theological doctrines.2020-08-0533 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Holy Trinity by MasaccioThis episode will discuss what might just be the most important painting in Florence - Masaccio's Holy Trinity in the church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. Learn how this fresco, which was the first in history to apply linear perspective, was lost in the 16th Century when the church was "Renaissanced" by Giorgio Vasari and then rediscovered in the 19h Century. 2020-07-2922 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Brunelleschi's Dome Part IIThis is the second part of my two-part episode about Brunelleschi and the construction of the dome of Florence cathedral. Learn how the great architect out-smarted his competitors, won the contract for and then realized the world's largest dome in only 16 years. Then discover the secrets of how Brunelleschi was able to pull off such an extraordinary engineering feat!2020-07-2235 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - Brunelleschi's Dome Part IThis episode examines the history leading up to the construction of Brunelleschi's great cupola. From the structural design of the tribunes, to the decision to add a drum, to the dilemma of wooden centering, what happened before Brunelleschi began building determined much of what he would need to do in order to build the world's largest dome.2020-07-1527 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions - Part IVFrom Donatello's non-existent competition panel, to my favorite work of art by Michelangelo, to laser beams in art, this episode answers the very questions that you asked me about the great art of the Italian Renaissance.2020-07-0827 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - Brancacci Chapel Part IIThis episode is the second part of a two-part episode about the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, Italy. It examines the paintings inside of the Brancacci Chapel and discusses the authorship of each, and those attributes that made Masaccio one of the most revolutionary painters in history. 2020-07-0135 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: The Brancacci Chapel - Part IThis episode explores the history and several key paintings of the revolutionary Brancacci Chapel in the church of Santa Maria Del Carmine in Florence, Italy. There is no better place in the world in which to illustrate the evolution of late Gothic to Early Renaissance than this chapel. It was here that the young genius named Masaccio introduced what today we define as Renaissance painting. 2020-06-2424 minRebuilding The RenaissanceEpisode 74 - An Interview with Ross King - Part IIIn part 2 of my conversation with best-selling author Ross King, we discuss one of his later works entitled Leonardo and the Last Supper, as well as his upcoming publication The Bookseller of Florence, about famous Renaissance book merchant Vespasiano da Bisticci.2020-06-1723 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAn Interview with Ross King - Part IThis episode is the first of a two-part interview with best-selling author Ross King, author of Brunelleschi's Dome, Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling and other works addressing Renaissance subject matter. 2020-06-1023 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Brunelleschi and the Basilica of San LorenzoThis episode examines the construction history and architecture of the first Renaissance-style church ever built - the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy - which was designed by the great Filippo Brunelleschi. From modular systems, to the use of classical architectural vocabulary, to harmony and proportion, Brunelleschi made the old new again when he designed the church that ushered in the Renaissance of architecture. 2020-06-0330 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Brunelleschi's Old SacristyThis episode examines the first Renaissance-style interior space ever built, which is known as the "Old Sacristy" in San Lorenzo in Florence. Designed by the great Filippo Brunelleschi, the revolutionary space also served as the funerary chapel of the patriarch of the Medici family - Giovanni Di Bicci. 2020-05-2731 minRebuilding The RenaissanceTheory - Classical Architectural VocabularyThis episode examines the names and meanings of various Classical architectural structures and elements that were employed by Renaissance architects from Brunelleschi to Michelangelo. 2020-05-2026 minRebuilding The Renaissance360° With Dr. Peter Weller - Part IIThis episode is the second part of my interview with celebrated Hollywood actor Dr. Peter Weller, where we discuss the subject of his doctorate, Italian food, and his acting career. Find out how the Renaissance man still finds time for acting and directing!2020-05-1321 minRebuilding The Renaissance360° With Dr. Peter Weller - Part IThis episode is the first of a two-part interview with the famous actor Peter Weller, who has starred in over 70 films and television programs, but who also holds a doctorate in Renaissance art history. Find out how Robocop became a veritable Renaissance man. 2020-05-0635 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Brunelleschi and the Hospital of the InnocentsThis episode examines the early part of Brunelleschi's career and his first major architectural project. His revival of a Classical architectural vocabulary and logic revolutionized architecture in the late medieval European world, and would establish this new style as the foundation for Italian architecture for centuries after.2020-04-2925 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence: Donatello's Crucifix and Prophet Statues (S. Croce/Museo Del Opera)This episode explores how Donatello revolutionized sculpture in the early 15th century by using three of his most famous works to illustrate his new visual language of naturalism.2020-04-2226 minRebuilding The RenaissanceVenice: The Grand Canal and Rialto BridgeThis episode explores the history and architecture of Venice's most important thoroughfare and its surrounding churches and palaces, as well as one of the world's most celebrated bridges - the Rialto - that has spanned the Grand Canal for nearly the last 1,000 years. 2020-04-1532 minRebuilding The RenaissanceVenice: Basilica of St. Mark and Doge's PalaceThis episode examines the history, architecture and importance of Italy's most unique church. An example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, was built primarily to house the relics of the evangelist and to serve as the private chapel of the Doge. The result was a stunning and eclectic mix of styles and materials.2020-04-0832 minRebuilding The RenaissanceAnswers to Open Questions - Part IIIThis episode answers our third round of general questions. From dinner with historical personages, to my favorite restaurants and dishes in Italy, to saving Venice and its art, all the way down to how much "Leonardo" there is in the "Salvator Mundi" painting, hear me voice your questions and then provide you with answers.2020-04-0132 minRebuilding The Renaissance62 - Florence: Donatello's St. George (Bargello)This episode examines Donatello's sculptural representation of the St. George subject for the Sword and Armor Guild at the church of Orsanmichele, although both sculpture and niche are in the Bargello Museum today. Not only was this first sculpture of the Renaissance to depict a subject in a narrative context, it also largely inspired Michelangelo's David nearly a century later. 2020-03-2528 minRebuilding The RenaissanceFlorence - Donatello's Marble "David" (Bargello)This episode examines Donatello's seminal heroic interpretation of the "David" subject in sculpture. Removed from its original context at the Duomo and inserted into a civic setting at the Palazzo Vecchio, the statue became the symbol of divine protection for the Florentine Republic. 2020-03-1827 min