Biographical Notes
Riemenschneider, Tilman (1460–1531). German artist who worked
principally as a sculptor in wood and stone; his work displays a compelling
Humanism and emotional directness.
Robbia, Luca della (1400–1482). Luca was the most important artist of a
large Florentine family of sculptors associated with the invention and use of
glazed terracotta. He is famous for his Cantoria, or choir gallery, executed
for the Florentine Cathedral.
Rodin, Auguste (1840–1917). French sculptor whose work personi¿ ed late
Romantic Expressionism. His most important works include The Burghers
of Calais, Balzac, and The Gates of Hell, from which he derived many
individual sculptures throughout his career.
Rosso Fiorentino (Giovanni Battista di Rosso) (1495–1540). Rosso
was a Florentine painter who was deeply affected by the Sack of Rome.
He developed a personal version of the Mannerist style, which he later
introduced into France, where he worked for Francis I at Fontainebleau
from 1530.
Rubens, Peter Paul (1577–1640). Flemish Baroque painter who was
famous throughout Europe and extraordinarily productive. Today, Rubens is
considered one of the foremost painters in art history and is noted for the
energy given his work through his handling of light and color.
Ruisdael, Jacob van (c. 1628/29–1682). Dutch artist of the Baroque era;
often considered the greatest Dutch landscape painter.
Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–1498). Savonarola was a charismatic
Florentine religious reformer and Dominican monk. He preached in
Florence against the vanity, materialism, and immorality of the upper classes
(including the Medici) and the corruption of the clergy. He urged the invasion
of Italy by Charles VIII of France. In 1497, he was excommunicated, and the
following May, he was burned at the stake in Florence.
Schongauer, Martin (1450–1491). German painter and innovative
printmaker who expanded the range of contrasts and textures in engraving.