Chapter 1
The Florentine spark that ignited a revolution
Chapter 2
The fierce rivalry of the ultimate polymaths
Chapter 3
Princes, popes, and the business of art
Chapter 4
The chemistry and math behind the masterpieces
YOUR GOAL
Master of The Italian recipe for a cultural rebirth
Ch 2 · The fierce rivalry of the ultimate polymaths
andy The Ultimate Renaissance Rivalry
They faced off on opposite walls of the palace, but both of them left their battles half-done!
andy Both rivals abandoned their commissioned battle scenes on opposite walls of the Palazzo Vecchio, leaving only legendary preparatory
Fun Fact
Da Vinci's speed: Leonardo da Vinci was notorious for working slowly; it took him four years to paint the 'Mona Lisa', and he never actually finished it.
Glossary
polymath (noun)
A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning. In 1504, Florence pitted polymaths Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo against each other in a mural competition.
A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning. In 1504, Florence pitted polymaths Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo against each other in a mural competition.
Quiz
Where did Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo have their famous unfinished painting competition in 1504?
Quiz
In what year did Michelangelo unveil his completed 17-foot-tall marble statue of David in Florence?
Quiz
What specific type of white marble did Michelangelo use to carve his masterpiece statue of David?
Quiz
Which world-famous portrait did Leonardo da Vinci work on for four years but never officially finish?
Quiz
What did Renaissance artists hope to achieve by performing secret autopsies in local hospitals?