1. Neo-Platonism - Raphael, Botticelli, and Michelangelo

3. Important Idea God was Beauty and the source of Beauty.God's image is Man.Therefore, the ideally beautiful Man is the closest approximation of God on this earth.

4. Botticelli The Birth of Venus , 1486.

6. Botticelli Primavera (1478) 7’ x 10’

9. Michelangelo was famous for his ability to harmonize the design of a statue with the proportions of the block of marble. Several artists had already attempted to carve the block which eventually became the David . It was too narrow for others to work with; only Michelangelo was able to create a workable plan for the block. For Michelangelo, this ability was a gift from God, and those who possess intelleto did not need to rely on artificial techniques to create a work of art.

10. Michelangelo belived in the theory of the concetto (art forms) and intelleto (ablitiy to percieve harmony and beauty) He was often criticized for not faithfully representing his subjects. The Virgin of the Pieta appears to be around twenty five years of age -- not much older than her crucified son. The Virgin is portrayed as a young woman because her beauty is timeless. The David and the Virgin are ideal types, not particular individuals.

11. Raphael, Three Graces 1501-1505