From Medieval to Renaissance

Significant shifts occurred in the representations and uses of "triumph" as the Middle Ages evolved into the Renaissance. As the following objects demonstrate, the emphasis was no longer on celebrating the military victories of contemporary individuals. Instead, representations of "triumph" were geared towards celebrating the past and using the concept as an approach to everyday life. As is noted in the Encyclopædia Britannica, "the theme was revived in new and spectacular forms in Renaissance art."[1] This section of the exhibit explores this remarkable set of artwork by presenting objects that focus on Petrarch's I Trionfi and the revivification of ancient "worthies."

Encyclopædia Britannica Online, s. v. "triumph", accessed May 10, 2016.