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Alberti, Leon Battista. Palazzo Rucellai. 1446-1451. Florence, Italy 

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The Rucellai family was one of the most prominent merchant families in Florence at the time, and their wealth and social status were reflected in the Palazzo Rucellai's design. The building's lavish decoration, including the intricate carvings on the front, the ornate entranceway, and the grand staircase, all demonstrate the family's wealth and power. The Renaissance was a period marked by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy. This influenced the art and architecture of the time, and the Palazzo Rucellai is a clear reflection of this. The building's front features a classical design with smooth, symmetrical proportions, and round arches inspired by ancient Roman architecture.
References:
-Alberti, Leon Battista (Italian artist, architect, and theorist, 1404-1472). Palazzo Rucellai, exterior, detail of upper stories and fenestration. 1446-1451, Image: 05/18/2001. Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/HSAHARA__1113_42395190
-https://www.coursehero.com/study-guides/boundless-arthistory/renaissance-architecture/

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Raphael. “Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints”. 1504. Oil and gold on wood. Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC. 

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The Renaissance was a period marked by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy. This humanistic movement influenced the art and architecture of the time, and the painting is a clear reflection of this. For instance, the painting features classical architectural elements, such as the Corinthian columns and the round arches in the background. Christianity was a dominant force in Renaissance Europe, and this religious painting reflects the spiritual beliefs and values of its time. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus sitting on a throne, surrounded by saints and angels, in a composition that reflects the traditional imagery of the Christian Church.

References:
- Artist: Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) (Italian, Urbino 1483-1520 Rome). Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints. ca. 1504. Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/SS7731421_7731421_11264533
-https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437372

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Powers, Harriet. “Pictorial quilt”. 1895. Quilting. Smithsonian American Art Museum 

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The Pictorial Quilt is an example of African American folk art, which emerged from the experiences of slavery and the cultural traditions that were brought over from Africa. The quilt reflects African American storytelling traditions, which often involved using visual imagery to tell stories and convey messages. The quilt includes images of biblical scenes, such as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the Crucifixion of Jesus. The Pictorial Quilt reflects the gender roles of its time, with women being responsible for creating and maintaining the home and family. The quilt was created by Harriet Powers, a woman who lived during a time when women were not typically recognized as artists or allowed to participate in the mainstream art world.

References:
- https://www.artstor.org/2017/07/07/the-enduring-significance-of-harriet-powers-quilts/

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Stieglitz, Alfred. “The Steerage”. 1907. Photograph. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 

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The Steerage captures the crowded and uncomfortable conditions that many immigrants faced during their journeys, and it reflects the cultural diversity that was a hallmark of American society during this period. The early 20th century was a period of rapid industrialization in the United States, and the Steerage reflects the effects of this process on American society. The photograph features the industrial machinery and equipment that were used to transport goods and people across the Atlantic, and it reflects the growing role of technology in modern life. The photograph features passengers who are separated by class and nationality, with the upper-class passengers enjoying the comforts of the ship's deck while the lower-class passengers are relegated to the cramped and uncomfortable steerage. The Steerage is an example of modernist photography, which emerged during the early 20th century as a response to the social and cultural changes of the time.

References:
- Stieglitz, Alfred (American photographer, 1864-1946). 6. The Steerage. Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/SS7731789_7731789_12058195
- https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/267836

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Kahlo, Frida. "Roots”. 1943. Painting. Museum of Modern Art, Mexico City, Mexico. 

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Roots reflects Kahlo's own experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society. The painting features a central figure that is bound and trapped, which is often interpreted as a representation of the constraints placed on women in Mexican society during the early 20th century. Kahlo suffered from physical disabilities throughout her life, and her work often reflects these experiences. The painting features a figure with roots growing out of her body, which is often interpreted as a representation of the pain and suffering that Kahlo endured.

References:
- https://www.fridakahlo.org/roots.jsp

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Haring, Keith. “Ignorance=Fear”. 1989. Painting.  Private collection. Keith Haring Foundation. 

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Haring was openly gay and his work often reflects his experiences and beliefs about LGBTQ+ rights. The painting depicts three figures depicting the saying “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” Haring was a vocal activist and used his art to raise awareness about social and political issues. The painting features the words "ignorance=fear" written in bold, which is a call to action for people to educate themselves and overcome their fears. This painting was created at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, which had a profound impact on Haring's work. Haring's work is often associated with the pop art movement, which emerged during the 1950s and 1960s in response to the consumer culture of the time. The painting features bold lines and bright colors, which are hallmarks of pop art.

References:
-Keith Haring, American, 1958 - 1990. Ignorance=Fear, New York. 1989. Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/31572008
- https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/493038

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Charles, Michael Ray. “The Greatest Show on Earth”. 1997. Acrylic on canvas. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 

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The painting critiques the history of racism in the United States, particularly the exploitation and objectification of Black culture. The controversial use of blackface was a bold and powerful technique used by the artist to captivate the audience. The painting is a satirical take on advertising and consumer culture, which often relies on sensational imagery to sell products. The use of bold colors and exaggerated imagery is a nod to the techniques used in advertising. The painting was created in the 1990s, a time when the legacy of the civil rights movement was still being felt in American society and discrimination was still a very real issue. The imagery of blackface and popular slang catch phrases can be seen as a representation of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

References:
-https://www.sutori.com/en/story/michael-ray-charles--BLZ7rCgc18Hw5auxYCLhqJkE

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Banksy. “Girl with Balloon”. 2002. Stencil graffiti. Waterloo Bridge, London.  

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Banksy is a well known street artist who creates works in public spaces, often commenting on contemporary issues. Girl with Balloon was created in this context, as a work of art that could be experienced by anyone who passed by the wall where it was painted. Banksy's work is often associated with political activism and social commentary. Girl with Balloon features the image of a girl reaching out for a heart-shaped balloon, which can be interpreted as a commentary on the power of hope and the importance of human connection.

References:
- https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/series-girl-with-balloon

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Jean-Claude and Christo. “The Gates”. 2005. Installation art. Central Park, New York City. 

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The Gates was created in 2005, at a time when environmental issues were becoming more prominent.  The installation was designed to be temporary, with the materials used being recycled or recyclable. The Gates was installed in New York City's Central Park, a location that has long been a symbol of urbanism and public space. The installation can be seen as a commentary on the way that public spaces are used and how they can be transformed through artistic intervention. The bright orange fabric used in the installation was intended to create a sense of joy and playfulness. The Gates is an example of the growing trend of public art, which aims to create art that is accessible to everyone and that can be experienced in public spaces. The installation was free to the public and attracted millions of visitors during its brief run.

References:
- https://christojeanneclaude.net/artworks/the-gates/

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Koons, Jeff. "Seated Ballerina". 2017. Sculpture. Private Collection. NYC 

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Seated Ballerina was created in 2017, at a time when feminism and women's rights were becoming more prominent. The sculpture is childlike and playful and was created to raise awareness for National Missing Children's month. The sculpture's surface is covered in a mirror finish, which reflects the surrounding environment and creates an illusion of transparency. This can be seen as a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Seated Ballerina was installed in New York's Rockefeller Center, a public space that is known for its public art installations. The sculpture can be seen as an example of the growing trend of public art and the desire to create art that is accessible to everyone.

References:
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/jeff-koons-seated-ballerina