History of Italy: Articles in English archives - Page 22 of 31

St Bona of Pisa Close up of part of painting by Giovanni Lorenzetti

Feast Day of St. Bona of Pisa: Patron Saint of Tour Guides and Pisa

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In the medieval city of Pisa, known for its iconic Leaning Tower, the story of St. Bona of Pisa unfolds as one of devotion, travel, and remarkable spiritual journeys. Recognised as the patron saint of tour guides and the city of Pisa, she continues to inspire those who wander and those who guide.

Caravaggio murder of Tomassino sees him on the run. Image shows David with the head of Goliath painted by Caravaggio, and a portrait of the artist.

On this day in history: Caravaggio commits murder

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On 28th May 1606, the late Renaissance artist Caravaggio committed a murder that forced him to spend the rest of his life on the run.

Castle Sforzesco in Milan where Lucrezia Crivelli lived as mistress of the Duke of Milan and as his wife's lady-in-waiting

On this day in history: Lucrezia Crivelli, mistress of Duke of Milan, dies

May 27, 2024May 27, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Lucrezia Crivelli passed away on May 27, 1508. Known primarily as the lover of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, Crivelli’s life is intertwined with the culture of 15th-century Milan.

Portrait of a Halberdier, 1528–1530, oil on canvas, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles Engraving of Pontormo from Vasari's book.

On this day in history: Birth of artist Jacopo Carucci da Pontormo

May 24, 2024May 24, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Jacopo Carucci, better known as Pontormo, was born on May 24, 1494, in the small Tuscan village of Pontorme. The artist played a crucial role in the development of Mannerism.

Pandolfo Petrucci, ruler of Siena, who died on 21st May 1512.

On this day in history: Death of Pandolfo Petrucci, ruler of Siena

May 21, 2024May 21, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Pandolfo Petrucci, an influential figure in the history of Siena, dominated the political landscape of the Tuscan city from the late 15th century into the early 16th century. Born in 1452, Petrucci’s rise to power was marked by his cunning political acumen and strategic alliances, which ultimately established him as the de facto ruler of […]

Baccio d'Agnolo engraving and a close up of his work in Santa Maria Novella church

On this day in history: Baccio d’Agnolo born

May 19, 2024May 19, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The woodcarver, sculptor, and architect Baccio D’Agnolo, who helped shape the architectural landscape of Renaissance Florence, was born in the city on 19th May 1462.

On this day in history: Cosimo II de’ Medici born

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Born in Florence 12th May 1590, Cosimo II de’ Medici, reigned as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1609 until his untimely demise in 1621. He assumed a largely ceremonial role during his twelve-year tenure, entrusting administrative duties to his ministers, but was patron of physicist Galileo Gallilei.