Early 1500s
Renaissance Glory

Italian Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci paints one of the greatest icons in art history: the alluring yet enigmatic Mona Lisa.

Pope Julius II commissions Michaelangelo Buonarroti to paint the ceiling of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel in 1508. The physically demanding job takes Michaelangelo four years.

Pop Quiz!
What did Leonardo da Vinci do to keep his model for the Mona Lisa from becoming bored during the painting sessions?

A. Discuss tomato sauce recipes
B. Hire musicians and jesters
C. Tell off-color jokes

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