This book unfurls the variety of the Italian Renaissance and conveys in-depth understanding of the most important areas of art and architecture. It is a comprehensive overview of one of the most important epochs in the history of European art. It describes the development of Renaissance architecture, sculpture, painting, and drawing and their characteristics. The Italian Renaissance is among the most glamorous epochs of European art. Art historians as well as a wide public are fascinated by three centuries of exceptionally prolific artistic creation that produced works of international fame such as Michelangelo's frescos in the Sistine Chapel. The cityscapes of the great centres of that time would be vastly different without their Renaissance architecture - cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice are veritable museums of an epoch whose art remains vital and influential even today. Impressive illustrations of works from every branch of the fine arts feature prominently and invite the reader to explore them closely.