![]() ![]() Whoever the client of Renaissance art, they could be very particular about what the finished article looked like. This revolving market of artists also explains why, particularly in Italy with its many independent city-states, artists were always very keen to sign their work and so contribute to their own burgeoning reputation. For the same reasons, cities frequently tried to poach renowned artists away from one city to work in their city instead. Publicly commissioned works might include portraits of a city's rulers (past and present), statues of military leaders, or representations of classical figures particularly associated with that city (for example, King David for Florence). ![]() There was a great rivalry between cities like Florence, Venice, Mantua, and Siena, and they hoped any new art produced would enhance their status within Italy or even beyond. During the Renaissance in Italy, it also became important for cities as a whole to cultivate a certain character and image. ![]() Popes and churches, in contrast, were eager for art to help spread the message of Christianity by providing visual stories even the illiterate could understand. Rulers of cities like the Medici in Florence and the Gonzaga in Mantua wanted to portray themselves and their family as successful and so they were keen to be associated with, for example, heroes of the past, real or mythological. There was a great rivalry between cities like Florence, Venice, Mantua, & Siena and they hoped any new art produced would enhance their status in Italy & Abroad. ![]()
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