Stories of Art 1500–1600

Stories of Art 1500-1600

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

The 16th century was a period of dynamic transformation and development, which witnessed the advent of printing, dramatic religious reform and an exceptional surge in artistic innovation. Rulers and leading families sought to rival one another with increasingly elaborate programmes of patronage, pursuing the best artists of their day, from Dürer and Holbein to Michelangelo and Titian.

In this introductory session, we will examine the political structure of Europe and the rulers who governed the societies in which art was produced. We will look at competition and rivalry between King Henry VIII in England, King Francis I in France and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and the patronage of Popes Julius II and Leo X in Rome.

We will also evaluate the impact of the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation on the visual arts, following Martin Luther’s ‘Ninety-Five Theses’ of 1517, outlining his criticisms of Catholic church practice. These are often considered a major catalyst for the ensuing schism within the church. We also consider them in the context of Holbein’s masterpiece, ‘The Ambassadors’, whose complex symbolism, including a Lutheran hymnal, reflects the religious and political tensions of the time.

Stories of Art 1500-1600

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

This week we will look at the relevance of literature to the art of the period and how painting during the Renaissance reflects clear changes in literary taste. Depictions of Greek and Roman mythologies became frequent and popular, as both patrons and artists became more familiar with classical sources and stories. Mythological paintings could reflect a patron’s erudition and awareness of the Antique or relate heroic stories of the past to glorious events of the present. They often become important tools for the display of power and wealth.

After the break, author Sarah Dunant will discuss her recent novel, ‘La Marchesa,’ dedicated to the life of Isabella d’Este, Marchioness of Mantua. The greatest female art patron of the Italian Renaissance, Isabella created a dazzling court and amassed an impressive collection of contemporary and antique art. When she died, she left behind her a treasure trove of letters, preserved in the archive of Mantua. Dunant will discuss how she drew upon these to write ‘La Marchesa’, blending fiction, biography and art to capture the life and influence of this remarkable woman.

Stories of Art 1500-1600

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

In the first part of today’s session, we explore the work of the great German Renaissance artist, Albrecht Dürer. Dürer's extensive travels through the Alps, Italy and the Low Countries resulted in the creation of numerous drawings, prints, studies of nature and paintings. We will analyse the impact of Netherlandish and Italian art on Dürer's work, as well as his own impact on prominent artists such as Raphael, Carpaccio and Titian.

After the break, we are joined by Dr Emma Capron, Curator of Early Netherlandish and German Painting at the National Gallery. Dr Capron will discuss ‘The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret’, a rare and mysterious early 16th-century painting recently acquired by the National Gallery, whose authorship and origins are unknown. A work of extraordinary quality, its composition and technique suggest Netherlandish origins although elements of the painting recall the work of French painters. Dr Capron will discuss this painting alongside other northern Renaissance works in the collection.