Week 16
Mantova (Mantua) in the 15th Century was the most sophisticated court in all of northern Italy. It was the home of the Gonzaga family. And the most illustrious member of that family was Isabella d'Este married to the Duke of Mantova, Francesco Gomzaga. Isabella and Francesco created a brilliant court with the most celebrated artists and musicians and poets entertaining the constantly changing list of famous visitors: kings, popes, princes. Below you see the Gonzaga family as painted by Andrea Mantegna, one of the greatest Renaissance masters. There they all are on the walls of their magnificent family palazzo in Mantua.
REQUIRED READING: This week, Chapter XIX. "Beatrice and Isabella d'Este"
RECOMMENDED READING:
J. R. Hale, The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance. This study of the whole Renaissance period in all of Europe was the final masterpiece of one of the greatest historians of the Early Modern period. John Hale was working on this book when he suffered a debilitating stroke. But his wife, Sheila Hale, and other scholars finished the book for publication and we are all enriched by its availability. It is in print, but you might also look at used copies of the original quality paperback. This book will serve us for the whole year-long course. It is especially useful for Winter and Spring Quarters.
The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance,
Scribner, Reprint edition (June 1, 1995),
ISBN 0684803526
