The Renaissance is one of the most hotly contested concepts in art history - once celebrated as the birth of the modern world, now many historians question its very existence. In this fascinating masterclass, the celebrated art critic Jonathan Jones paints a new and vibrant picture of the Renaissance and its enduring significance. Marking the launch of his new book, Earthly Delights, you will be among the first to hear his radical new perspective.

Over two hours, you will journey through a period of seismic change in which artists, writers and thinkers across Europe dared to imagine new worlds and society was rocked by the ‘discovery’ of the Americas. Jonathan will explore the mysterious figure of Hieronymus Bosch, who created a beguiling world of monsters and mayhem, as well as the radical ideas and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

You will come away with a renewed excitement for and understanding of European history, as you learn from one of the UK’s foremost art writers.

This masterclass marks the publication of Jonathan’s new book, Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance. You can pre-order a copy from the Guardian Bookshop with your ticket. The book is released on 19 October 2023.

Course content

What is the Renaissance?
The key Renaissance invention of ‘utopias’
The mystery of Hieronymus Bosch – who was this enigmatic painter and can he be called a ‘Renaissance’ artist?
The impact of the first European voyage across the Atlantic in 1492
How the Renaissance liberated art and thought
Why the Renaissance can still help us understand ourselves and our world

Tutor profile

Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones is also the author of books on Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Artemisia Gentileschi, and was series consultant on BBC2’s Civilisations. This Masterclass is based on his new book Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance, published by Thames and Hudson on 19 October 2023.

Course Details

Date: Tuesday 17 October 2023
Time: 6pm-8pm (BST)

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

6pm BST | 7pm CEST | 10am PDT | 1pm EDT

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

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Understanding the Renaissance with the Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones