Browse Items (202 total)

Known as the “Father of Humanism,” Francisco Petrarch (1304-1374) was one of the most influential facilitators in the revitalization of classical antiquity prior to the Renaissance, thus sparking an interest that—as the exhibit will show—endured…

A famed Roman statesman and philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BCE) was known for both his contributions to politics via the Roman senate and his works on ethics, political philosophy, and rhetoric.
Cicero was born into wealth and thus…

The Agora was a public space found in Ancient Greek city-states (depicted above is the Athenian Agora) in which citizens would congregate for a number of purposes—exchange of goods, speeches, discussion, and more. The Agora itself was usually home to…

Jean-Jacques Rousseau political theories were constructed off the foundation of Italian political thought. Throughout Rousseau’s historical and political writing, it is clear he is trying to present a favorable view of Machiavellian philosophy and he…

The English Bill of Rights was a revolutionary document that afforded more authority to Parliament. It was written as a response to the absolutist ideas and actions of the Stuart monarchs. Absolutism dictated that a monarch’s power was God-given,…

The development of Pistols, such as the one shown above. Was a significant technological change over the course of the Early Modern Period. Pistols were a sign of political prestige’s, which was how nobles distinguished themselves on the battlefield.…

After 1450, humanism began to spread from its roots in Florence -- long regarded as a hub for scholars -- to Vienna, Heidelberg, and the royal seats of England, France, and Spain (Wiesner-Hanks, 140). Scholars traveled all over Europe, carrying their…

Printed in Westminster in 1497, this papal indulgence was issued for the pilgrim shrine of St. James, Compostela in Spain. Throughout the late medieval age, indulgences such as this would have been paid through the Church as part of a process of…

Foreign art objects also piqued the interest of European clientele, and this painting depicts a Chinese porcelain vase in addition to other fruits and items acquired through trade. The painting highlights the assortment of items on the table by…

During the 18th century, landscape became increasingly popular. Additionally, a new interest was placed on history painting. These pieces usually depict a moment in a story which were often moments in religious narratives. This particular piece by…