In this course we will study Italian art from circa 1480 to 1570. This period is traditionally known as the 'High Renaissance,' and usually begins with the maturity of Leonardo da Vinci and ends with the death of Michelangelo. We will follow the careers of major masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Titian and Michelangelo. We will also explore the urban centers--Venice, Florence, Rome--where these masters, and many others not as well known, produced their works in response to the demands of patrons and institutions. We will study key works of art, sites of production, techniques, patrons, practitioners, and publics. Transformations in artistic practices and representational forms will be related to specific social, political, economic, and cultural conditions. We will also consider primary sources, and pay close attention to how art historians selectively regard the fragmentary material and textual remains from the period and incorporate them into a 'story of art'. This course satisfies the Humanities distribution requirement. Estimated cost of materials: $50 or more, but less than $100. IV. 3