Last week, we learned about the rekindling of classical learning, science, and the arts that was fueled by tremendous economic growth and trade that historians call the “Renaissance.” Today, we head to Northern Europe, where a similar Renaissance was taking place. Like the artists, architects, and scientists of the Italian Renaissance that we talked about in our last episode, the Renaissance in Northern Europe focused on the potential of individuals. That is what Dürer represents: an artist whose love for learning and desire to express his ideas through his works had such a profound impact on their age, that they still resonate with us today.

In this episode, we explore the Italian Renaissance. We’ll look at the economic factors that made the Renaissance possible, the patrons who became sponsors of art and scientific breakthroughs, and the accomplishments that visitors from all around the world travel to Italy and marvel at.