Websites to support the study Renaissance biographies
(general sites are listed first, followed by a few selected individual biographies in alphabetical order)
Renaissance Personalities
Features student projects on Renaissance personalities. Categories include: musicians, scientists, scholars, sculptors, architects, patrons, explorers, politicians, artists, and Renaissance women. Projects are well organized and well documented.
Monarchs of Britain
Provides extensive biographies of all the kings and queens of England and Great Britain, including the Tudors Henry VIII, Mary I, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I.
European Voyages of Exploration, 15th & 16th Centuries
Features a complete tutorial of European exploration in the 15th & 16th centuries. Includes images and historical maps. Covers the major exploring countries of Portugal and Spain, as well as others beginning explorations. Includes information on Prince Henry the Navigator and his role, and on Christopher Columbus and the importance of his explorations.
Renaissance Art & Architecture
Provides extensive links to specific artists and architects. Categories include: Painting (daVinci, Michelangelo, Giotto, Raphael, Titian); Architecture (Brunellschi, Palladio); Sculpture; Northern Renaissance (Durer, VanEyck, Bosch); and Shakespeare.
Mariners’ Museum: Age of exploration
Features information on Explorers, from the ancient world to James Cook. Includes information on their ships, a Timeline, and teacher information. Topics covered include: Vikings, Portuguese explorers, Columbus, Magellan, Cabot, Drake, Cartier, Hudson, and Cook.
Explorer Links
Canadian, American and world explorers are listed in alphabetical order. The links lead to information on the explorers, including: Champlain, Cabot, Cartier, Hudson, Leif Ericson, Jolliet & Marquette, LaSalle, etc. A substantial section on Spanish explorers of the New World.
Passages: A Treasure Trove of North American Exploration: Chronological Outline
Features a chronological outline of the exploration of North America from the 15th Century (Columbus & Cabot) to the 20th Century (Amundsen). Includes maps and biographies of many explorers. Canadian explorers include: Cabot, Cartier, Frobisher, Champlain, La Salle, La Verendrye, Hearne, Cooke, Mackenzie, Vancouver, Fraser, Franklin, etc. Includes the Spanish explorers Verrazzano, de Soto, Columbus, and Galiano.
Exploration & Settlement - Newfoundland & Labrador
Provides a history of early explorers of Newfoundland, including Cabot, the Vikings and other possibilities. Includes some later exploration, the expansion of the migratory fishery, and sponsored & voluntary settlements. Links to related sites.
European Explorers Resources on the World Wide Web
Features links to explorers that are sorted by th country for which they explored. From England: Cabot, Gilbert, Cook, Drake, Frobisher, Franklin, and Hudson. From France: Cartier & Champlain. From Italy: Marco Polo. From Spain: Columbus, Magellan, & Cortes. From Portugal: da Gama, Real, & Henry the Navigator. Also includes the Vikings. Links to other lists of explorers.
Francis Bacon (1551-1626)
Provides a biography and timeline of the English philosopher, Francis Bacon (1551-1626).
Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) (Catholic Encyclopedia)
Provides a complete biography of Giovanni Boccaccio, the Italian novelist. While his lifespan is Medieval, his life style is Renaissance. (02/03)
Anne Boleyn
Features links to biographies of Anne Boleyn, Queen of Henry VIII. Includes letters written by her, contemporary accounts, images, pictures of her, poetry about her, etc.
Discovery & Reformation: John Calvin
Provides a brief biography of John Calvin, the French theologian and reformer of the 16th Century (1509-1564). Includes a synopsis of his most important teachings and thoughts. Advanced reading level.
John Calvin
Provides a picture of John Calvin, the French theologian and reformer of the 16th Century (1509-1564). Features links to articles about him and to some of his letters, writings, and teachings. Very advanced reading level.
John Calvin, Theologian
Provides a biography of John Calvin, the French theologian and reformer of the 16th Century (1509-1564). Includes a summary of his greatest achievements and importance in history.
John Calvin
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides an extensive biography of John Calvin, the French theologian and reformer of the 16th Century (1509-1564).
Nicolaus Copernicus
Provides biographical information on Copernicus and includes a picture. Includes cross referenced links to a variety of history and science sites.
Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish Cleric and Astronomer, 1473-1543
Provides a brief biography of Copernicus and includes a picture of the man.
The Copernican Model: A Sun Centered Solar System
Features illustrations and animations of the thoughts of Copernicus about the solar system and the revolution in thought as a result of his work.
The Copernican System
Provides information on Nicholas Copernicus (1473-1543) and his way of seeing the solar system and why it was so revolutionary at the time. Includes some early diagrams. Uses hyperlinks to lead to information about other scientists also interested in the same topic.
Donatello (1386-1466)
Provides a biography of the Renaissance Italian sculptor, Donatello. (02/03)
Donatello, 1386-1466
Provides a biography of the Renaissance Italian sculptor, Donatello. Links to images of his works. Links to other Renaissance artists, including da Vinci, Michelangelo, etc. (02/03)
Queen Elizabeth I
Features an extensive biography of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) of England. Includes links to related sites and an extensive bibliography of print resources for the time period.
Desiderius Erasmus
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides an extensive biography of Erasmus, as well as his philosophy and work in the church.
The Galileo Project (Rice University)
The Galileo Project is a hypertext source of information on the life and work of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and the science of his time. Includes photos of his home, maps of his world, a timeline of his life, plus essays on his work. Links to related sites.
The Life and Art of Artemisia Gentileschi
Features an extensive biography and picture of Artemisia Gentileschi, the Italian painter (1597-1652). Includes images of 27 paintings in the guided tour, plus links to related websites.
Artemesia Gentileschi, 1593-1652
Features a text only biography of Artemisia Gentileschi, the Italian painter (1597-1652). Discusses the importance of Gentileschi in women’s history and in the painting style of the Renaissance.
The Art of Giotto (Web Gallery of Art)
Features an extensive biography and a separate timeline of Giotto di Bondone, the Italian painter and architect (1267-1337). Links to many of his works. Explores the importance and influence of his style of painting on later Renaissance artists.
Giotto di Bondone (WebMuseum, Paris)
Features an extensive biography of Giotto di Bondone, the Italian painter and architect (1267-1337). Links to one of his paintings. Explores the importance and influence of his style of painting on later Renaissance artists.
Gutenberg Homepage
Provides information about, and a pictureof, Johannes Gutenberg, his printing press, his Bible, the city of Mainz, and the historical time period in which he lived (1400-1468). Includes images
Gutenberg Digital
Features all 1282 pages of the Gutenberg Bible. Includes background information on Gutenberg, the history of printing, and the impact of Gutenberg’s invention.
Prince Henry the Navigator
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides an extensive biography of Prince Henry the Navigator, 1394-1460, of Portugal. Advanced reading level.
Prince Henry, the Navigator
Features a biography and background information on Prince Henry, the Navigator, of Portugal.
Henry the Navigator
Provides a biography of Prince Henry, the Navigator, of Portugal. Includes links to related resources and some primary source documents. Hyperlinks lead to additional information.
King Henry VIII
Provides a brief biography of King Henry VIII of England (1491-1547). Features links to a picture gallery, other Tudor royalty (including Mary I, Elizabeth I), significant events of the Tudor period, and to other significant people of the time (including Shakespeare, Francis Drake, etc.)
King Henry VIII
Features an extensive biography of King Henry VIII of England (1491-1547), and includes sections of each of his wives. Includes an excellent bibliography of print resources on Tudor England. Links to related sites.
Isabella I
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides an extensive biography of Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Spain (1451-1504). Includes some hyperlinks to additional and related information.
Isabella I: The Catholic (European Voyages of Exploration)
Provides a biography and picture of Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Spain (1451-1504). Links to the Inquisition, the history of imperial Spain, and voyages of European exploration.
Renaissance Women - Isabella d’Este and Catherine de Medici
Provides a biography, background information, and a statement of impact on society for two Renaissance women - Isabella d’Este and Catherine de Medici. (02/03)
Isabella d’Este, First Lady of the Renaissance
Features a complete biography, including a discussion of her influence and power, of Isabella d’Este, a famous Renaissance woman. Includes images. (02/03)
Discovery & Reformation: Martin Luther
Provides a biography of Martin Luther, the German religious reformer and founder of the Reformation (1483-1546). Includes a discussion of his major teachings.
Martin Luther,1483-1546
Provides a picture of Martin Luther, the German religious reformer and founder of the Reformation. Links to many of his writings (translated) and to articles about the man. Advanced reading level.
Martin Luther - A Mighty Fortress is our God
Features a short biography of Martin Luther, the German religious reformer and founder of the Reformation (1483-1546). Includes a timeline, a discussion of the historical context of Luther, important people in his life, and legends around Luther and his work.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Provides a biography of the Italian writer, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527). Includes a link to a chapter from his major work, The Prince.
Nicolo Machiavelli
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides a fairly extensive biography of Nicolo Machiavelli, the Italian statesman, writer, and political philosopher (1469-1527). Includes a brief introduction to his major writings. Advanced reading level.
Nicolo Machiavelli, Italian Stateman & Political Philosopher, 1469-1527
Provides a picture and brief discussion of some of the major works of Nicolo Machiavelli.
Niccolo Machiavelli, 1469-1527
Provides a picture, a brief biography and a discussion of the major works of Nicolo Machiavelli. Links to other online information.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Provides a picture and biography of Nicolo Machiavelli, the Italian statesman, writer, and political philosopher (1469-1527). Includes hyperlinks to additional information.
Ferdinand Magellan
This article from the Catholic Encyclopedia provides good basic biographical information on Magellan and his quest to circumnavigate the world.
Ferdinand Magellan
Features a set of links to articles about Magellan, his ship, his crew and his voyage of circumnavigation. Includes a link to a map of his voyage.
Ferdinand Magellan
Provides biographical information on Magellan and his voyage.
The Medici Family
Provides background information, biographies, and pictures of many members of the Medici family of Florence, Italy. Hyperlinks lead to additional information. Includes a glossary.
Marguerite de Navarre / Marguerite d”Angouleme (1492-1549)
Provides a biography of Marguerite de Navarre, French writer and Queen of Navarre (1492-1549). Includes links to online works in both English and French, some quotes from her works, and additional information.
Marguerite de Navarre, 1492-1549
Provides a biography of Marguerite de Navarre, French writer and Queen of Navarre (1492-1549). Links to woodcuts from her poetry books and online poems in the original French, and translated into English.
Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374)
Provides a complete biography for Petrarch, the Italian poet and humanist. His life and style spans the Medieval and Renaissance time periods. (02/03)
Girolamo Savonarola
Provides a biography of Savonarola, considered to be the forerunner of the Reformation.
Paracelsus, Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von
Biographical details about this Renaissance Swiss physician, researcher, and writer. Topics include education, scientific disciplines (primarily chemistry and medicine, secondarily astrology and philosophy), means of support, and patronage. Part of the Galileo Project at Rice University.
BBC Science & Nature: Leonardo
"Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519. Italian artist, scientist, engineer. An all-round genius whose paintings and inventions changed the world. Take an interactive journey through his life and works to discover what made him a true Renaissance man." Includes a timeline, painting and drawing galleries, an interactive tour of Leonardo's studio, and a quiz to see what type of a thinker you are. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). (LII, 2007)
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This page is created and maintained by Ms. B. Knoepfel (Teacher-Librarian), McMath Secondary School.
Updated June 2007.
