Exam 1

arena chapel

Padua, Italy. known for paintings of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Last Judgment. by Giotto di Bondone. Western art & early Renaissance style.

giotto di bondone

Italian painter and architect, one of the pioneers of the Renaissance art movement, his works have a naturalistic style and emotional depth, breaking away from the flat and stylized art of the Byzantine tradition. contributed to development of Western painting.

gothic (international style)

spread throughout Europe. It is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Gothic cathedrals (eg notre dame), spread of Gothic influences beyond Europe, to regions like Spain and Portugal. Intricate ornamentation & detail.

duccio di buoninsegna

Italian painter of International Gothic style.

saint francis

Italian Catholic friar and preacher. known for his love of nature and animals, as well as his commitment to poverty and simplicity, founded the Franciscan Order, which emphasized living in harmony with all creation. his famous prayer, the "Prayer of Saint Francis."

lorenzetti brothers

talian painters in Siena, Italy, and are known for Sienese school of painting. Their works are important examples of early Renaissance art.

nicola and giovanni pisano

Italian sculptors known for Gothic sculptures & Italian Renaissance art. Nicola did the Pisa Cathedral, Giovanni is known for his sculptures on the facade of the Siena Cathedral, works showed naturalism and a revival of classical influences during the medieval period.

relief sculpture

type of sculpture that projects from a flat background, creating a 3d effect. high relief (figures project prominently), low relief (figures are shallowly carved), and sunken relief (background is carved away). Relief sculptures depict narratives, decorative motifs, or commemorative subjects

artists’ guilds and patronage

organizations formed by artists during medieval and Renaissance. provided a platform for artists to share. Guilds regulated the quality of art and set standards for training. Patronage is the financial support from wealthy ppl & institutions to artists development and promotion of art.

maniera greca (greek style)

artistic influence of Byzantine and Greek art on Western European art during the medieval period. characterized by flat, stylized figures, rich colors, and gold leaf embellishments. had impact on the Western art in Italy.

jan van eyck

Flemish painter. one of the most significant artists of the Northern Renaissance. known for attention to detail and mastery of oil painting techniques. most famous work is the Ghent Altarpiece.

duchy of burgundy

Patronage of the arts. The dukes of Burgundy commissioned artists to create art. influenced development of the International Gothic style and the Northern Renaissance.

flanders

known for contributions to the Northern Renaissance. home to artists such as Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden. Flanders' art history has detail, vibrant colors, and religious themes.

holy roman empire

complex political entity in Central Europe. had an impact on the development of art and architecture. Had diverse range of artistic styles and influences. eg: Romanesque and Gothic in cathedrals and castles.

oil painting

pigments are mixed with oil, typically linseed oil. one of the oldest and most widely used painting techniques. slow drying time.

retable

decorative panel or structure placed behind an altar in a church

printmaking processes

various techniques used to create multiple copies of an image or design.

ghent altarpiece

famous multi-panel painting created by the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Important in Northern Renaissance. Has 12 panels, with the central panel depicting the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. renowned for details, vibrant colors, and innovative use of oil paint.

portraiture

Flemish painter, portraits had detail, vibrant colors, and realistic representation of the human form. His most famous portrait is "The Arnolfini Portrait.”

symbolic language in giovanni arnolfini

A visual language used by Jan van Eyck in his painting "The Arnolfini Portrait" to convey deeper meanings. Symbols include the convex mirror, the dog, the candle, and the oranges. These symbols represent themes like wealth, fidelity, loyalty, and fertility.

robert campin

a Flemish painter who lived during the 15th century. He is considered one of the most important Early Netherlandish painters. Campin's works were characterized by their attention to detail, naturalistic style, and use of light and shadow. His most famous painting is the Mérode Altarpiece, which is known for its intricate symbolism and meticulous rendering of everyday objects. Campin's influence can be seen in the works of later Flemish painters, such as Jan van Eyck.

rogier van der weyden

renowned Flemish painter during the 15th century. He was known for his detailed and emotive style, particularly in religious subjects. Some of his notable works include "Descent from the Cross" and "The Last Judgment." Van der Weyden's art played a significant role in the development of Northern Renaissance painting.

les tres riches heures

a famous illuminated manuscript, also known as "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry." It was created in the early 15th century by the Limbourg brothers, who were renowned for their intricate and detailed artwork. The manuscript contains a calendar with beautifully illustrated scenes for each month, as well as religious texts and prayers. It is considered a masterpiece of medieval art and is currently housed in the Musée Condé in Chantilly, France.

book of hours

type of Christian devotional book that contains prayers, psalms, and other religious texts. It was popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The content of a book of hours typically includes a calendar, prayers for different times of the day (hence the name "hours"), and illustrations depicting religious scenes. These books were often personalized and used for private worship. They were beautifully illuminated with intricate designs and gold leaf. Some famous examples include the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry and the Book of Hours of Catherine of Cleves.

humanism

a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings. It emerged during the Renaissance as a response to the dominant religious and feudal systems of the time. Humanism focuses on human potential, reason, and individualism, promoting the importance of education, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. It played a significant role in shaping art, literature, and scientific advancements during the Renaissance and continues to influence various aspects of society today.

renaissance

a period of cultural and artistic rebirth that occurred in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It was characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and the exploration of new ideas and perspectives. The Renaissance had a significant impact on various fields, including art, literature, science, and philosophy. Prominent figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and William Shakespeare emerged during this period, leaving a lasting legacy in their respective disciplines.

florence in the early renaissance

period of significant cultural and artistic development in the city of Florence, Italy, from the 14th to the 16th century. It was characterized by the revival of classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy. Prominent artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli emerged during this time, creating masterpieces that reflected humanism and naturalism. Florence became a center of patronage for the arts, with wealthy families like the Medici supporting artists and scholars. The period also witnessed advancements in architecture, science, and commerce, contributing to Florence's status as a leading cultural hub of the time.

filippo brunelleschi

Italian architect and engineer during the Renaissance period. He is best known for his work on the dome of the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. Brunelleschi's innovative architectural techniques and use of perspective had a significant impact on the field of architecture. He is considered one of the pioneers of the Renaissance and his contributions continue to be studied and admired today.

donatello

Italian sculptor from the Renaissance period. He was born in Florence around 1386 and died in 1466. Donatello is known for his innovative approach to sculpture, particularly in his use of perspective and naturalistic details. Some of his famous works include the bronze statue of David, the bronze equestrian statue of Gattamelata, and the marble pulpit in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. His contributions to art had a significant impact on the development of Renaissance sculpture.

contrapposto

Italian term used in art to describe the pose of a human figure in which the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a natural and relaxed stance. This pose originated in ancient Greek sculpture and was later adopted by Renaissance artists. It is characterized by a slight S-shaped curve in the body, with one shoulder higher than the other and the hips and legs offset from each other. Contrapposto is often used to create a sense of balance, movement, and realism in figurative art.

lorenzo ghiberti

Italian sculptor and goldsmith. He is best known for his work on the bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, specifically the "Gates of Paradise." Ghiberti's doors are considered a masterpiece of the Early Renaissance and showcase his skill in creating intricate relief sculptures. His work had a significant influence on the development of Renaissance art in Florence.

renaissance church design

classical architectural elements and a focus on symmetry and proportion. Key features included domes, columns, arches, and pilasters. The central plan, with a circular or octagonal shape, became popular. Examples of Renaissance church design include St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Florence Cathedral.

leon battista alberti

Italian Renaissance architect, artist, and scholar. He is known for his contributions to the fields of architecture, mathematics, and art theory. Alberti's architectural works, such as the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Mantua and the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, showcased his innovative ideas on proportion, symmetry, and classical design principles. He also wrote influential treatises, including "De re aedificatoria" (On the Art of Building), which became a foundational text for Renaissance architecture. Additionally, Alberti made significant contributions to the field of perspective in painting, with his treatise "De pictura" (On Painting) influencing artists for centuries to come.

sculpture ‘in the round’

refers to a three-dimensional artwork that is meant to be viewed from all angles. It is not attached to a wall or a base and can be seen from all sides. This type of sculpture is typically freestanding and can be observed by walking around it.

perspective

technique used to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. It involves representing objects and space in a way that mimics how they appear in the real world. Linear perspective, developed during the Renaissance, is a common technique where parallel lines converge at a vanishing point on the horizon. This creates the illusion of depth and distance. Other types of perspective, such as atmospheric perspective and foreshortening, are also used to enhance the sense of depth in artworks.

equestrian statue

a sculpture that depicts a person riding a horse. It is a form of public art commonly found in parks, squares, and other outdoor spaces. The statue typically represents a historical figure, a military leader, or a monarch. Equestrian statues are often used to commemorate important events or individuals in history.

masaccio

italian painter. He is known for his innovative use of perspective and realistic portrayal of human figures. His most famous works include the frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, such as "The Tribute Money" and "The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden." Masaccio's art had a significant influence on the development of Renaissance painting.

patrons in devotional artworks

individuals or institutions who commissioned and financially supported the creation of religious or spiritual art. They played a crucial role in the production of these artworks, often dictating the subject matter and style. Patrons could be wealthy individuals, such as nobles or merchants, or religious institutions like churches or monasteries. Their patronage allowed artists to create these works and helped to promote and preserve religious beliefs and practices.

sandro botticelli

an Italian painter during the Renaissance period. He is best known for his iconic paintings such as "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera." Botticelli's style was characterized by delicate lines, vibrant colors, and a focus on mythological and religious themes. His works played a significant role in the development of Italian art and continue to be admired for their beauty and symbolism.

classical mythology in art

Artists from ancient Greece and Rome to the Renaissance and beyond have drawn inspiration from mythological stories and characters. These myths often served as a way to explore human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the human condition. Mythological figures such as Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Medusa have been depicted in various art forms, including sculpture, painting, and literature. The mythological themes and narratives continue to be a popular subject in contemporary art as well.

florence cathedral

a famous landmark in Florence, Italy. It is renowned for its impressive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is one of the largest churches in the world. Its construction began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. The cathedral is a significant symbol of the city and attracts millions of visitors each year

the medici

a powerful and influential family from Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance period. They were patrons of the arts and sciences and played a significant role in the cultural and political development of Florence. The Medici family produced several prominent figures, including Cosimo de' Medici, Lorenzo de' Medici, and Catherine de' Medici. They were known for their wealth, banking activities, and support of artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

perugino

was an Italian Renaissance painter from the city of Perugia. He was a prominent artist during the 15th and 16th centuries and was known for his religious paintings and frescoes. Perugino's works often featured serene landscapes, soft colors, and a sense of harmony. He was also a teacher and had notable students, including Raphael. Some of his famous works include "The Delivery of the Keys" and "The Crucifixion with Saints.”

andrea mantegna

was an Italian Renaissance painter and engraver. He was born in 1431 and died in 1506. Mantegna is known for his detailed and realistic style, as well as his use of perspective. Some of his famous works include "The Lamentation of Christ" and "The Triumph of Caesar." He was a prominent artist of his time and made significant contributions to the art world.

girolamo savonarola

was an Italian Dominican friar and preacher during the Renaissance period. He gained prominence in Florence, Italy, in the late 15th century. Savonarola is known for his religious reforms and his opposition to the corruption and excesses of the ruling Medici family. He preached against secularism, luxury, and moral decay, advocating for a return to a more devout and austere way of life. Savonarola's influence waned after he was excommunicated by the Pope and eventually executed in 1498.

tromp l’oeil

technique in art that creates realistic optical illusions, making objects appear three-dimensional on a two-dimensional surface. It is often used to create the illusion of depth and perspective.