Course Description: the course is designed in a survey format, presupposing a limited selection of important or representative works dating roughly from the mid-Quattrocento through the early Cinquecento in central Italy. We will explore not only the significance of the individual images within their original historical context, but also the meaning of the stylistic changes that took place in the artistic production of this period marking the development from Early to High Renaissance. Various types of art, themes, and media (painting, sculpture, architecture, etc.) will be examined in an attempt to obtain a well-rounded and balanced view of this multivalent period. There will be several site visits in Rome as well as an extra-cost required three-day week-end field trip to Florence.