Interesting article. He's a bit self righteous but I agree, the black person in the Adoration scene represents "Africa" (people of the continent) not a reflection of the slave trade.

Class, here is a useful Medici family tree.

Dear Janet, I think the difference is one is a courtyard and the other is a loggia. You are certainly correct in that Brunelleschi predates Michelozzo but Palazzo Medici is the first Renaissance courtyard.

Please read this introduction to the Decamerone for tomorrow's class

Janet, great idea. I will keep the same books (save everyone some money). I can always send articles via pdfs.

Black Death Have a look at these articles which will be interesting for our upcoming class. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/books/review

Thanks for those kind words Janet. I love doing this and love having such bright interested students in the class.

We are here and waiting for yoru visit next year!

Hello Christine and welcome. Thanks for sharing. That sounds like a perfect day to me as well!

Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the first class!

Welcome to Cheryl and Liz and thanks for posting. Lovely getting to know you.

Here is the reading assingment for week one Syllabus: Wednesday, November 18: The Rise of the City-State Topics to be discussed: the economics, politics, art and architecture of late Middle Ages in Pisa, Florence and Siena. Artists to be considered: Nicola Pisano, Arnolfo di Cambio, Duccio and Simone Martini. Paoletti/Radke Chapter 1: pages 43-47, 50 to 62 Chapter 2: pages 92-109 Turner: Introduction and Chapter One: the City Rises Waley: Pdf sent via email

Welcome everyone! Super excited to have you all in our class. Elaine