Machiavelli, Leonardo & Borgia: A Fateful Collusion
What happened when a philosopher, an artist and a ruthless warrior – all giants of the Renaissance – met on campaign in northern Italy? Paul Strathern explains.
Renaissance
The French Renaissance Court
R.J. Knecht looks at the practical considerations behind the smooth operation of the huge courts of the Valois kings of France.
Niccolo Machiavelli – the Cunning Critic of Political Reason
Vincent Barnett reveals that there is more to Machiavelli than his notorious reputation.
Was Leonardo a Christian?
The beliefs of the man who painted some of the most famous Christian images are shrouded in mystery. Alex Keller coaxes Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts out of some little-known personal writings.
Universal Projects for the Universal Man
The artist, scientist, botanist, anatomist, engineer, inventor and all-round genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) used paper in a unique way.
The Death of Archbishop Ussher
Richard Cavendish marks the demise of an important Renaissance figure, on March 20th, 1656.
Early Renaissance Man
Tristram Hunt finds inspiration for his study of civic consciousness in Tuscany and the lecture halls of Cambridge.
Why Renaissance? Why Florence?
Jon Cook identifies the mix of factors that helps explain the Florentine Renaissance.
Erasmus and Christian Humanism
Stewart MacDonald introduces the humanist scholar whose writings made him one of the most significant figures of 16th-century Europe.
Marsilio Ficino Renaissance Man
Valery Rees looks at the Florentine scholar Marsilio Ficino and finds a man whose work still speaks to us today.