Great Works of the Renaissance

How was perspective handled in Medieval Art?

Flat with no perspective; figures were placed in the sky to show distance.

What was the focus of human figures in Medieval Art?

Symbolic, rigid, and identical; they lacked emotional nuance.

What was the purpose and meaning behind Medieval Art's style?

Represented God's perspective, avoiding human perspective since God sees everything from all angles at once.

How did Giotto pioneer depth in the Early Renaissance?

By introducing 3D-realism and linear depth.

What was the focus of human figures in Early Renaissance art?

Expressive, individualized faces showing genuine emotion like joy, grief, and aging.

What was the purpose of Early Renaissance art?

To celebrate humanity and make divine figures relatable by giving saints human forms.

How was perspective handled in High Renaissance art?

Advanced perspective using vanishing points and geometric framing to create realistic 3-D space.

What was the focus of human figures in High Renaissance art?

Naturalistic poses capturing intense emotion, motion, and individual personality.

What was the purpose of High Renaissance art?

To emphasize Humanism, putting human thought, emotion, and experience at the center of the world.

Who was Sandro Botticelli and what are his key works?

An Early Italian Renaissance artist known for delicate facial expressions and movement; key works include The Glorification of Mary, The Birth of Venus, and Springtime (Primavera).

Who was Leonardo da Vinci and what are his key works?

A True Renaissance Man excelling in science, engineering, and art; key works include The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.

Who was Michelangelo Buonarroti and what are his key works?

A painter and sculptor known for natural, dynamic motion; key works include The Pieta, the statue of David, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Why did Michelangelo hate painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling?

Because he viewed himself primarily as a sculptor rather than a painter.

Who was Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael) and what is his masterwork?

A master of harmony and balance, famous for The School of Athens which combined classical and Renaissance figures using perspective.

What style defined the Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch?

Vivid fantasies of heaven, hell, and earth, best seen in his triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Who was Albrecht Dürer?

A German master of detailed woodcuts and engravings, known for works like Melancholia.

What was a patron during the Renaissance?

A wealthy individual who provided food, shelter, recognition, and commissions to artists since galleries and grants did not exist.

How did the Medici family use art in Florence?

To project prestige, power, and generosity by commissioning religious and secular art to decorate their palaces.

Why did the Catholic Church and Popes commission awe-inspiring religious art in Rome?

To impress pilgrims, reinforce Church authority, and bring viewers closer to God.

What major commission did Pope Julius II give Michelangelo?

To paint the massive 3,280 sq. ft. ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

What is secular art?

Art without religious symbols, icons, or theology.

Why did Siena officials commission Ambrogio Lorenzetti to paint massive frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico?

To teach citizens about civic duty, peace, and justice rather than relying solely on religious iconography.

Why did Florence commission Leonardo and Michelangelo to decorate the Council Chambers in 1505?

To boost civic pride while Florence operated as a republic during the temporary exile of the Medici family.

How did Leonardo da Vinci depict his battle scene for the Florentine Council Chambers?

As a dramatic, heroic battle scene focusing on muscular violence and men clashing with swords.

How did Michelangelo depict his battle scene for the Florentine Council Chambers?

By focusing on the terror, panic, and vulnerability of civilian bystanders.