The Key is fun, the comes understanding

The key is fun, then comes understanding.  What do I mean?  Italy is filled with historical and artistic treasures that can get overwhelming.  Take your time, have fun.  Those terms from art history class aren't really too important.  The key is to soak in the beauty, understand the story that is being portrayed, and then comes understanding.  The most important step is simply having fun.  Then, embrace the story.  Once you do steps 1 and 2 the understanding is a very easy next and final step.  

Don't weigh yourself down with names, dates, and eras beyond the artist's name and the name of the work.  It doesn't matter if the work was gilded, controposto, sfumato, or anything else.  Just soak it in and enjoy.

Watch my video on one of the sculptures from the Loggia in Florence and you'll see what I mean.

Enjoy Italy.  Feed your soul.