The Cardsharps by Michelangelo Caravaggio

The Cardsharps by Caravaggio

Caravaggio created this painting when he was broke and unknown. Then he chanced upon rich gambler Cardinal de Monte, who loved this piece. It was a lucky draw for the young painter. He’d snagged himself an influential and rich patron.

The Annunciation by Fra Angelico

The-Annuniciation-by-Fra-Angelico

The Annunciation portrays a critical event for Christianity. Keeping that in
mind, painter Fra Angelico uses a golden laser beam to direct viewers’ eyes. He wants us to see this scene in a super specific way. Angelico also uses rich colors, details, and lots of glorious gold.

Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

Italian Masterpiece Sandro Botticelli Birth of Venus

Birth of Venus serves up instant recognition. We’re all familiar with Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece. Still, have we really looked at it? It’s a birth. That’s messy, baby-centric, business. But this portrait shows neither mess nor baby – only beauty.

Apollo and Daphne by Antonio Pollaiuolo

Antonio Pollaiuolo - Apollo_and_Daphne

What twists await in the Apollo and Daphne painting?

• The God Apollo’s Me Too moment.
• Daphne prefers life as a tree over Apollo’s advances.
• In Apollo and Daphne – her choice is everything.

The Flea by Guiseppe Crespi

Guiseppe Maria Crespi-the_flea18th century Italian masterpiece

The Flea by Guiseppe Crespi tells a story without revealing the main character. We only see the reaction to the flea, not the pest itself. This intimate portrait from 18th century Italy depicts virtue.