The Assassination and Funeral of Julius Caesar 1455 - 1460

This panel depicting "The Assassination and Funeral of Julius Caesar" was painted around 1460 in Florence, Italy, by the Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni. It’s important to remember that in 15th-century Florence, the classical world was seen as a template for civic virtue. Republican ideals were deeply important. The subject of Caesar's assassination, therefore, carried powerful political connotations. By setting this scene from ancient Rome in such a recognizably Florentine architectural setting, the artist asks viewers to consider this event in the light of their own political circumstances. This wasn't just about dusty history; it was about contemporary Florentine society. In understanding this piece, scholars consult contemporary chronicles, humanist writings, and records of civic ceremonies. By understanding the conditions in which art is made we can understand its cultural significance.