To identify the best five, we need to consider institutions with renowned faculty specializing in that period and region, robust archival resources, and a supportive environment for specializing in this area. These are subjective, but based on reputation and faculty expertise, a strong list would include (in no particular order):
1. Columbia University: Columbia has a large and highly respected art history department with faculty who specialize in various aspects of Italian Renaissance art and culture, offering ample opportunities for focused research.
2. University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley's art history department is similarly strong, boasting faculty with expertise in Renaissance Italy and access to significant research resources.
3. Yale University: Yale's art history department is consistently ranked among the best, and its faculty includes specialists in Italian Renaissance art and architecture, along with unparalleled access to collections.
4. Harvard University: Similar to Yale, Harvard's department has leading figures in the field, a vast library system, and access to major collections, allowing for deep specialization.
5. New York University (NYU): NYU's Institute of Fine Arts has a long and distinguished history. While not solely focused on the Renaissance, it houses faculty with relevant specializations and benefits from its location in a city with major museums and archives.
Important Note: Before applying, it's crucial to examine the faculty profiles of these universities' art history departments. Look for professors whose research interests align closely with your own area of focus within Italian Renaissance art (e.g., painting, sculpture, architecture, patronage, etc.). Contact prospective advisors directly to discuss their current projects and potential for supervision. The "best" school for *you* will depend on individual faculty expertise and research interests that match yours.