Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In many respects, Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael crafted the image of the creative genius that we still hold today. But if we allow ourselves to look more closely at the artistic practices of these central figures, we find a number of apparent contradictions. Rather than fonts of continuously new and original ideas, springing freely from their heads as we might have been led to imagine, we find that both artists borrowed or stole a great deal from each other, repeated themselves prodigiously, and collaborated widely. Taking examples from painting, architecture, and drawing, the lecture suggests how the works of Michelangelo and Raphael suggest a distinct model for aesthetic invention and exploration.
The Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art features distinguished scholars presenting original research. This annual lecture series offered by the National Gallery of Art began in 1997 and is named after the great specialist of Italian art Sydney J. Freedberg (1914–1997). Professor Freedberg earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1940, where he taught for 29 years until he was appointed chief curator of the National Gallery of Art in 1983.
Presented as part of Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art. Find out more about this series on our website: nga.gov/research/casva/meetings/freedberg-lecture.html
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#RenaissanceArt
#SydneyJFreedberg
#CammyBrothers
#Michelangelo
#Raphael
#LeonardoDaVinci
#Museum
In many respects, Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael crafted the image of the creative genius that we still hold today. But if we allow ourselves to look more closely at the artistic practices of these central figures, we find a number of apparent contradictions. Rather than fonts of continuously new and original ideas, springing freely from their heads as we might have been led to imagine, we find that both artists borrowed or stole a great deal from each other, repeated themselves prodigiously, and collaborated widely. Taking examples from painting, architecture, and drawing, the lecture suggests how the works of Michelangelo and Raphael suggest a distinct model for aesthetic invention and exploration.
The Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art features distinguished scholars presenting original research. This annual lecture series offered by the National Gallery of Art began in 1997 and is named after the great specialist of Italian art Sydney J. Freedberg (1914–1997). Professor Freedberg earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1940, where he taught for 29 years until he was appointed chief curator of the National Gallery of Art in 1983.
Presented as part of Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art. Find out more about this series on our website: nga.gov/research/casva/meetings/freedberg-lecture.html
Still haven’t subscribed to our YouTube channels?
National Gallery of Art ►►youtube.com/NationalGalleryofArtUS
National Gallery of Art Talks ►►youtube.com/NationalGalleryofArtTalks
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.
More National Gallery of Art Content:
Facebook: facebook.com/nationalgalleryofart
Twitter: twitter.com/ngadc
Instagram: instagram.com/ngadc
Pinterest: pinterest.com/ngadc/_created
E-News: nga.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=e894a1837aca4526f7e8a11b3&id=2085ff9475
#Art
#NationalGalleryOfArt
#ItalianArt
#RenaissanceArt
#SydneyJFreedberg
#CammyBrothers
#Michelangelo
#Raphael
#LeonardoDaVinci
#Museum
