Renaissance Art History

Line

A mark with a greater length than width, anything that connects two points

Horizontal Lines

create a feeling of rest and calm, sense of space moving backward, and imply that what we see continues beyond the left/right side of the canvas. 

Vertical Lines

convey height and extension, and when they go border to border they can allude to a continuation of space beyond what we see

Diagonal lines

create a sensation of movement and a feeling of instability. Sometimes, a quality of speed can be created as well

Curving lines

create a sensation of softness, and are pleasing to view because of their smoothness and gentleness 

Implied lines

are lines that are not actually drawn, but that exist through gesture (as seen here) or other objects in the painting

Shape

comprised of lines and remaining two-dimensional, shapes create the basis of any artwork. They can be geometric (square, circle, hexagon, etc.) or organic/biomorphic (the shape of a blob, puddle, etc)

Form

an element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses volume; the form has height, width, and depth. It may be geometric (sphere, cube, etc.) or it may be freeform

Value

used to indicate differences between light and dark. White is the lightest value; black is the darkest.

Modeling

using light and shadow can create an illusion of roundness, volume, and three-dimensionality, even though and artist may work on a 2D surface. Notice how shadow (or the accurate placement of greys) can transform a circle into a sphere.

Chiarascuro

“light-dark”, the use of strong contrasts between luminosity and shadow to achieve a sense of volume and dimensionality. This unique technique was developed during the Italian Renaissance by Leonard da Vinci, the Baroque period by Caravaggio, and the Dutch Golden Age by Rembrandt. 

Space

an element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in an artwork. This includes the background, middle ground, and foreground. Ways to achieve a sense of space is by using perspective.

Deep space

puts the horizon line of the image high, enabling us to see deep into the picture plane.

Shallow space

created by a low horizon line, but also the artist may place figures and objects within a crowded, flattened space. 

Foreshortening

the use of perspective to represent an object extending back into space

One-Point Perspective

a system of perspective that utilizes a single vanishing point and causes parts of the image to look as if they recede into the distance

Two-Point Perspective

a system of perspective that utilizes two vanishing points and causes parts of the iamgre to look as if they recede into the distance. This is used to depict the side of an object.

Atmospheric Perspective

a system of perspective which illustrates the idea that “colors become weaker in proportion to their distance from the person who is look at them” through tonal changes..

Color

red, yellow, and blue cannot be mixed from other colors. They are primary colors. Secondary colors (violet, green, orange) are made by mixing two primary colors.

Warm vs. Cool

yellow, orange, and red are warm colors. Green, blue, and violet, are cool colors.

Color Intensity

the brightness or dullness of a particular color.

Texture

the visual or tactile surface quality of an object. Sometimes, texture can be implied, as many beginnings.

Brushwork

this term refers to the way a painter applies paint to a surface with a brush. Brushwork is typically characterized by the size, texture, and precision of the strokes. For instance, brushwork may be described as tight or loose depending on how visible they are to the naked eye. Particularly thick brushwork may be referred to as impasto.

Balance

refers to the way in which line, shape, color, texture, etc. are arranged. Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Emphasis

the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention.

Contrast

the arrangement of opposite elements. (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, etc.)

Movement

the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color.

Proportion

the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other.

Scale

the size of an element as it relates to its usual physical size.

Elongation/Distortion

lengthening or continuation, sometimes beyond the point of naturalism.

Symbolism

a technique using objects that represent, stand for, or suggest an idea, visual image, belief, action, or material entity.

Iconography

studying a piece of art through the identification, description, and interpretation of symbols.

Genre

types of art based on their purpose and conten

Portraiture (Types)

Profile, Frontal, Three-Quarter

Sculpture in the Round

a sculpture which is completely detached so that it can be seen from all sides 

Contrapposto

an asymmetrical posture in which most of a figure’s weight is distributed onto one foot. 

Relief

sculpture that is attached to the material was carved from. High; almost completely carved out. Low; barely carved out. 

Diptych

a piece of art that is comprised of two panels, and is meant to be viewed as such

Triptych

a piece of art that is comprised of three panels, and is meant to be viewed as such

Allegory

character or event that represent or symbolize ideas and concepts

Allusion

a reference to another work of art, work of literature, or even a real event

Narrative 

represents events taking place over time. These events may, however, be compressed into a single image that implies something that has already happened or is about to take place.

Classical

beyond referring to classical antiquity, the term also denotes artworks that aim to recreate the idealization of the classical manner.